Sangha Care: A Program Committed to Building Connections and Supporting Fellow Members of the Boundless Way Zen Temple Community
What is Sangha Care?
Our sangha is one of our treasures, and we cultivate and appreciate this treasure by showing up for one another. We already do this in countless ways, small and large, public, and private.
The mission of our Sangha Care team of volunteers is to build authentic connections between members and to lower the barriers to both giving and requesting help. We are committed to showing up for one another––as we’re able––in the spirit of practice and not knowing, while trusting the mysterious wisdom that giver, receiver, and gift do not reflect fixed positions but turn together.
We also have heard and honor the wisdom of many who have pointed out that it’s easier to ask for and receive help from people we have come to know and trust over time. If you would like to connect with other sangha members off the cushion, please stay on the lookout for social offerings that we’ll be rolling out based on volunteers’ interests.
Regardless of your interest or ability to participate in more social events, if you need or could benefit from some practical, non-professional assistance at some point, we would like to help.
Perhaps you need a ride to a doctor’s appointment or a sangha event?
Maybe some meal deliveries or grocery shopping assistance would help during an illness, a loss, or a period of recovery?
Or perhaps you simply need a sangha friend to talk with, in person or online, for a little support and companionship, or to share a joy or a burden?
If so, please reach out to us at sanghacare@boundlessway.org.
If we feel your request leans more toward the sort of pastoral care or spiritual guidance that would best be provided by a teacher or priest, we’ll let you know and would be happy to facilitate that connection.
We may not be able to meet your request––and we will let you know if this is the case––but we appreciate and respect the effort and vulnerability involved in reaching out. This step is the first gift.
How Can I Be Part of the Team?
If you’re willing and able to offer any of the types of care mentioned above, including virtual or in-person events to build connections between sangha members, you can become a Sangha Care volunteer by speaking with Sangha Care coordinators Jamie Paul or Sarah Loy, or emailing us at sanghacare@boundlessway.org..
While we do plan to offer meals, rides, and assistance in person whenever possible, we welcome Boundless Way Zen Temple members from anywhere in the world. Sangha Care coordinators will reach out to volunteers with specific requests. If a certain request doesn’t suit your schedule or is outside your comfort zone, all you need to do is let the coordinators know, and they will contact a different team member.
