Building a community.
In order to have a community we need a couple things, this is how I think of it.
1. A unifying concept: people that care deeply about...BELONGING, Clearly defined WHY. Goal or interest. 'Buddhist X' (Generation X).
Looking to the lessons and not the transcript of Buddhist teaching and thought. How to apply this to everyday life and
2. A common enemy (either a concept, idea, statement, group or individual.) Real or imagined.
Against 'woke', 'hip', 'trite' Buddhists...??? The belief that this intrusion of thought from other concepts should be boiled down to 'there is suffering' and leave it at that, all the rest of the details are just fluff and not important to the idea of (the Four Noble Truths).
Another 'enemy' is fakers, predators and charlatans.
3. A set of beliefs 'We think this because...' People like 'us' do things like 'this'...
Who is 'us'??
What are 'things'
4. Offer something of value.
Message to start up meditation classes again.
It has been a long time, I have missed our sessions.
In light of the obvious reasons we could not have class, I am starting to gear up for a new schedule. Minor changes I am looking to implement are either subject based meditations, Dharma teachings (actual teachings of Buddhism from the Sutras), or simple topical discussions including Buddhism in the news.
I am leaning still towards a more secular time, with any chanting, prostrations and traditional offerings done before the class begins. You would all be of course welcome to attend that part as well.
The next topic is the schedule itself and which days people feel would be most beneficial. Of course, I may just intend a 'build it and they will come' schedule.
I am toying with the suggestion of 'semi private' classes where we do not wear masks nor
Burnout, stressors, languishing, grief, confusion, frustration, fatigue, malaise, depression, anger, fear and more.
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