There is a Lakota First Nation saying that highlights the importance of Sangha (community): “If you want to go far, go together; if you want to go fast, go alone.“ When it comes to the spiritual journey, we revise it to say, “If you want to go far, go together; If you want to go in circles, go alone.” At one time or another, most of us at Infinite Circle experienced periods of moving in circles trying to find our spiritual path and home. We also experienced how sitting, studying, and just being with each other have opened us to important, life-transforming possibilities.
Zen is essentially communal, a living dialogue among fellow travellers, who together activate the ever present potential for Awakened Life. But this “communal” dimension is so much broader than interactions among members of the Infinite Circle Sangha. For us and all Zen practitioners, the entire world is our sangha. As we journey ever more deeply into the Path of Awakening, we experience the profound Wisdom that we are one with all creation and that all creation is our “kin!” Our hearts expand with compassion and love for all beings, not only for our family and friends but for every dimension of creation, from people we might have called “enemies” to every living creature and non-living manifestation of Earth and the Universe. We find ourselves inspired to make a difference.
We cultivate this by
- Our Hybrid Model: ICZ has worked diligently to develop a mostly virtual approach, which is supplemented by frequent in-person meetings. When we meet in person, no one could miss the bonds of shared purpose and friendship that have developed.
- Zen Study Group: Every week we gather for an online Zen Study Group, where we study the works of Zen Master Eihei Dogen (founder of Japanese Soto Zen) and other historical and contemporary Zen Masters. The meetings have a combination of input from our teacher and discussion among members. Recordings are made available for those whose schedule prevents them from attending.
- Sunday Services: We have developed an approach for our Chanting Service that is a shared experience despite the limitations of the virtual platform.
- Open to All: Our sangha is particularly enriched by people who have been or continue to be nurtured by faith traditions other than Buddhism, have no previous religious affiliation, or who have just begun to explore their spiritual life.
- Community Service: Many Infinite Circle Members are involved in community service through volunteering, their career choice, and other forms of engagement, including working as a hospice chaplain, prison chaplain, teacher, therapist, working with members of the armed services and veterans, political engagement, and advocacy for environmental and animal rights issues.
- Precepts: Our community is devoted to the Precepts (traditional guides for living, see FAQ), which we believe is where true Zen meets everyday life, and meets the world as Sangha. We do this through Dharma talks, study, a monthly service (Fusatsu, see FAQ), but most of all in opening ourselves to the Wisdom and Compassion that we strive to bring to all our interactions.
