I was scheduled to lead a meditation group recently at a local yoga studio. Our group meets under the auspices of the Center for American Buddhist Practice, a non-dogmatic group that makes room for all kinds of spiritual folks: Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, non-believers, anyone that wants to get together to sit for a few minutes in silence, pray together, and discuss in a non-coercive way the teachings of the Buddha. In fact, you might call our group a sangha. A sangha is an intentional spiritual group.
Following the meditation, I planned to give a short talk. I wasn't sure what the subject would be, but I knew the theme would be loosely built around learning to trust one's own experience. I'm starting to imagine that a key component spirituality is about learning to validate one's self. (I don't have much tolerance for anything that promotes separation. If it doesn't build people up, I'm not interested in discussing it.) Besides, I don't believe in completely finalizing any talk I give because I always want to leave room for inspiration. Maybe it's a rationalization on my part, but the energy of the moment causes me to think better on my feet.
Showing up a few minutes early to the yoga studio, the door was locked. No one was in the building and our group would have no place to meet. Sitting on the font steps of the studio watching the evening traffic dwindle down, the emerging option seem to be to hold a discussion group at the Starbuck's across the street. Too late in the evening for caffeine, I surmised we could hold an impromptu meditation "meet and greet" over smoothies and pastries.
As one person after another showed up, everyone seemed largely relaxed and ready to hang out. I was surprised by the group that gathered, as it appeared to be our largest number in recent memory. While waiting for late comers, the different group members began to talk about one thing or the other. This seemed in contrast to the awkward silence that often permeates our more formal gatherings.
Surprisingly, a drum circle meeting in a different part of the building showed up at the last minute. While we still didn't have access to the yoga studio, we huddled together in one of the massage rooms. A couple of us moved the massage table into the hallway while a few others grabbed a few cushions to make a make shift meditation circle. Our group continued our open sharing punctuated by moments of meditative silence. We started about 15 minutes past our regular time, and continued an additional 30 minutes passed our end time.
The spontaneity of how we gathered this particular evening allowed us to relax, and enjoy each other's company. Genuine good will fosters community. Our sangha was a temporal association of a open hearted people willing to be with whatever happen that evening, because we were facing it together. We meet the Sacred whenever we meet each other authentically and with good intention. That's all that anyone can ask for, I think. At least, that's what my experience tells me.
