þÿ<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><title>Comment Summary</title><link media="all" href="../surveyhtml_090116/css/Export.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /></head><body style="margin-left: 15px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 15px"> <a onfocus="blur();" href="../surveyhtml_090116/SurveySummary.html" class="NormBtn" /> <div style="margin-top: 15px"><table class="rsltsmry" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="0" border="0"><thead><tr><th class="hdr" colspan="3">Is there an aspect of community life that has helped you a great deal in your path as a practitioner that you would like to share with us? Please use the space below: <div align="left"> <p><i>Summary Response (n=299): Four major categories describe answers to this question. First, the supportive and compassionate nature of sangha friendships, including during times of great personal trial were mentioned by many. Also social times of food, fun, and just being together, as well as the power of regularly practicing with ones sangha (n=98). In particular, many people mentioned the profound influence their MI has had, and also that of other leaders and senior teachers (n=34). Thirdly, jumping in as a volunteer, getting involved at all levels by providing service to the community by staffing, coordinating, governing, teaching, being an MI, joining the Dorje Kasung (n=73). These people described a sense of actively helping the community which very much deepens their spiritual path. A final group mentioned particular programs or dharma experiences that deepened their practice of helped them, ranging from Sun Camp and international large programs, to the local Bodhi School and local feast practice (n=52).</i></p> <p><i>&quot;It has taken me a long time to get over myself, not that the job is done by any stretch. I have found irritation, provided handsomely byt the sangha, of unending benefit, analogous to the &quot;Bengali Teaboy&quot; concept. At one point, I had dropped out of the sangha for five years (1978-1983), but rejoined as I realized that there was no way but through. I realized the sangha was difficult because it is a mirror showing me clearly what I am holding on to in a very direct way. Long retreats, in comparison, are easy. Hopefully, I am becoming a more useful human being, inching along on a very long path. The aspect that has been most helpful are people's display of wisdom as a result of their own practice and without trying to say or do the right thing, or the company line. As our sangha ages, that is becoming more commonplace, fortunately. Being thrown together with others as we do what we do is often the best way for me (to) appreciate the sangha, rather than formalizing everything.&quot;</i></p> </div> </th></tr></thead><thead><tr> <th class="hdr dflt">#</th> <th class="hdr dflt"></th> <th class="hdr dflt" style="width:99%;">Response Text</th> </tr></thead><tbody><tr> <td>1.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Just the fact that there is a community, and a commitment on my part to take part on it. That's no small thing for me.</td> </tr><tr> <td>2.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>community....period.</td> </tr><tr> <td>3.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The overwhelming care and consideration of my sangha when I have been in times of need. We genuinely care about one another.</td> </tr><tr> <td>4.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Just the presence of a Shambhala sangha in my area is comforting and supportive to me. I know that I can access it when I need it most.</td> </tr><tr> <td>5.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have enjoyed the group &quot;sits&quot;. I also like practicing yoga at the various weekend teachings. And when a true teacher comes to town, these classes are truly inspirational and a little better put together than most of the training sessions. We have access to great teachers in Shambhala. I think we need to emphasize quality sessions more than how many weekend our center can cram with classes. For instance, I went through the Path of the Warrior training. The first class was very inspirational and open. This was mostly because the director was truly gifted, the program was diverse, and the asst teachers were capable of leading group discussions. The remaining four classes were just downright confusing and unorganized, as if the purpose of going through the classes was simply to complete them so I could move onto the next step in my path to Shambhala. I got the sense for some the weekend just hadn't been planned and for the others the director really had no clear message as to what the weekend was about. Again, we offer so many programs we need a whole lot of teachers, and consequently, I believe the teachers are largely unqualified to really inspire. Offering lots and lots of mediocrity seems to be goal. I discuss this with fellow sangha members, and often wonder if Trungpa's death has left us directionless. I never studied with him, but understand he was an inspiring teacher. Is what we're left with a rather large institution that has lost its core guiding principle?</td> </tr><tr> <td>6.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Serving as the hub of activity in our small Group for these past six years, I have tried to communicate that Shambhala is about community as well as practice and study. I feel that setting that ground of enlightened society in the microcosm helps when students begin to learn about the larger Shambhala vision of world domination.</td> </tr><tr> <td>7.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Service to teachers -- always stretches me beyond my boundaries.</td> </tr><tr> <td>8.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Please see answer to # 70</td> </tr><tr> <td>9.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Regular sitting meditation with others &amp; classes - especially 'Turning your mind into an Ally'.</td> </tr><tr> <td>10.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Having it there.</td> </tr><tr> <td>11.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Regular practice at a center while it was accessible to me was of extraordinary value. A contemplative weekend led by Judith Leif. Guidance by my MI</td> </tr><tr> <td>12.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Despite my arrogance and clumisness I have always been loved by some in the sangha which I have never taken for granted.</td> </tr><tr> <td>13.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My first encounter with a meditation center was the [ ] when I was in school. Each time I moved across the country I found a group of supportive people to connect with. When I moved again to the east coast I found a supportive group of people through the &quot;under 30&quot; group. For a while there were &quot;art nights&quot; that I also attended. Meeting people socially encouraged me to continue to deepen my practice. I am very grateful for Shambhala and the centers around the world, as there is always refuge in sangha to be found. I am also grateful for the Sakyong in that he has invited many other teachers to the Shambhala Center to speak, and that Shambhala International is committed to providing dharma centers world wide. I am especially thankful that in my community we now have a &quot;pay what you can&quot; program / scholarship fund, as I think this helps to invite younger people as well as older people who cannot afford some of the programs. I am also very thankful that we have so many beautiful practice spaces.</td> </tr><tr> <td>14.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>In the beginning i felt insecure in the centre and i need sometime to get used. I talked about this with my meditation instructor. The relation with the meditation instructor is very important</td> </tr><tr> <td>15.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>no</td> </tr><tr> <td>16.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I think that working with the sangha for more than 30 years has deepened my understanding of what it means to be a human being and a practitioner. It has also helped me understand emptiness and impermanence. Most importantly, I have learned about interconnectedness in immediate and pragmatic ways. One example of this is that if I am upset about something happening in our organization (and I brush it aside as just &quot;my thing&quot;), I have often learned that many others are concerned about the same things at exactly the same time. I have also learned that people are quite sensitive and easily hurt, and that's actually a good thing to know.</td> </tr><tr> <td>17.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Feasts are excellent community builders.</td> </tr><tr> <td>18.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I think the single most damaging thing to the community right now is the cost of programs, particularly at the residential centers-- but also at non-residential centers. It often seems like just too much money to ask of people while at the same time be asking how we might increase membership and also speaking of the increasing financial burden on people culturally. What's most alarming to me is hearing of people trying to get to programs (particularly programs like Vajrayana seminary, core programs where people amass requirements for years, at great expense) and those people being told there is no way to help them pay for the program. I am not talking about SMC for example not having a pricing scheme-- I am talking about the people who contact a center saying 'I simply can't even get that amount of money together' and those people getting a response of 'We can't do anything more for you.' When someone calls a center with that kind of situation there is not excuse for us not to have personal follow up with such a person, probably not just from someone on a switchboard reading policy. We aren't going to build community by shutting committed people out of programs based on our own desire to make money. I've heard of too many students limiting their participation or moving to other sanghas because what it costs to participate in Shambhala. Lower middle class sangha saying 'I can't afford to go to [fill in the blank-- Gesar Festival] even though they live in [Halifax] and so on. If SMR's vision is one of great community practice, and people are not able to go to programs as much as they want because of 'cost' something is systemically wrong somewhere in the system. If there are policy's like the 'generosity' program in Halifax that works, that ought to be enacted in a more widespread way in the sangha, that ought to happen-- especially if we are about enact a 36 course core program curriculum.</td> </tr><tr> <td>19.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I love teaching Teacher Development Programs and the community of teachers I wish the Sakyong would come to [ ] more often. Traveling to and boarding at large programs in Colorado, Vermont and Nova Scotia is incredibly expensive for householders like myself who have both careers and families and who do not have the financial resources or time off to do this very often. I tend to see Ponlop and Traleg Rinpoches (both whom I love) much more often than my root teacher.</td> </tr><tr> <td>20.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being sandpapered by the rough and sharp edges of community members and the ongoing wish that, one day, we will seem to me to be a Mahayana sangha.</td> </tr><tr> <td>21.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Dathun was an excellent way to practice.</td> </tr><tr> <td>22.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My Shambhala Training group has provided a very special sangha for supporting and encouraging me to continue on the Path and increase my participation and commitment to the Shambhala community. The offering of regular group practice has also been very helpful.</td> </tr><tr> <td>23.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Let's get the word out to the African American community that we exist, and have open arms extended.</td> </tr><tr> <td>24.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Yes, the generosity of people when they've picked me up so that I could attend things at the center (because healthwise, I can't ride 6 buses for a roundtrip to and from the center), and most of all the generosity of the scholarships allowing me to participate in programs when I would normally not be able to afford any of these programs... Also, the kindness of staff accommodating my hidden disabilities' needs, like assigning me a tent near the road and near the practice tent and close to the bathroom/shower rooms at SMC...wow! this was very, very thoughtful and kind...and then there were young men who schleppted my stuff to and from the tent...all of these things are just very helpful regarding reducing the stress levels...</td> </tr><tr> <td>25.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Going to teachings at dechen choling. Sharing a community life for a while. I think there should be more Dathuns offered and I still have to go to one.</td> </tr><tr> <td>26.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>It's heartening to attend whole cycles of training with a core group flexible enough to bring in people from other Sanghas, and then to travel with these folks, meeting others, to programs off-site. I just experienced a Dathun this way, and feel connected like never before.</td> </tr><tr> <td>27.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>sacred path, warrior training and community talks by pema chodron</td> </tr><tr> <td>28.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Shambhala training</td> </tr><tr> <td>29.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have not yet felt that I am a part of the community, but in time, I take that responsibility to involve myself more deeply.</td> </tr><tr> <td>30.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>It's sad but the local sangha has not helped me at all from a community perspective. Other sanghas have when I have visited.</td> </tr><tr> <td>31.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>conflict resolution.....in the past i would have just left the sangha, now i struggle to work with any conflict directly, clearly and reach out for help when i need it</td> </tr><tr> <td>32.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>a lack of respect or emphasis on true renunciation is consistently a barrier to the sangha. The use of money by the king and court is baffling for practitioners with lower incomes. The whole kingdom model is emotionally and intellectually inaccessible or off putting for most of the community. This divides along lines of a few dedicated &quot;court&quot; supporters and the others who find it a little cultish</td> </tr><tr> <td>33.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>While practicing at [ ] I was deeply influenced and supported by the attentive and compassionate behavior of the members of the Sangha. I was just beginning to assist at levels and one workshop with [ ] when I moved from the area. I was touched deeply by the levels and Sacred Path as well as by assisting a workshop on Unconditional Healing. My youngest son (25) has been going through a journey into extreme mental states( somewhat related to an intense meditation practice) over the last 5 years. That situation, along with being new to this area and having a significant level of job instability has taken up most of my time and energy. The Sangha here is just far enough away to be inconvenient to get to( but not that difficult really). I just haven't felt motivated to make the committment to get there and initiate connection. I have, however, met a couple of members and feel warmly invited into the Sangha when I am ready. I miss the support of a meditation group yet feel that at this point any connection brooks taking on responsibility and I cannot take on anything more at this time. It is my hope that when my employment has become more secure ( currently happening) and the situation with my son becomes less chaotic and crisis filled that I will return to the Sangha community. I am currently on the [ ] and feel some connection to the larger Sangha through my work there. I continue to have a sitting practice at home and attend [ ] for weekends now and then. I consider Chogyam Rinpoche a teacher and honor the Sakyong as the bearer of the Shambhala legacy.</td> </tr><tr> <td>34.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>All aspects. The gentle and rough contacts with the sangha polish the jewel.</td> </tr><tr> <td>35.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My meditation instructor is very kind and has been a great addition to my feeling of belonging in the community. The kindnesses of several teachers and their manifestation of compassion in the world has been very inspirational and helped to keep me on the path.</td> </tr><tr> <td>36.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Initially parties helped me quite a bit. Then volunteering and teaching were very helpful. In more recent years, I have been most helped by simple friendship.</td> </tr><tr> <td>37.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being able to share hardship with friends.</td> </tr><tr> <td>38.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>At age 64 this is the first group of people I have felt that it is important to belong to. My life has been very much a &quot;solo&quot; thing.</td> </tr><tr> <td>39.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the community enjoys social occasions, dinners and partys so its not such a conservative and daunting effort. there is some relaxing together and that helps my practice.</td> </tr><tr> <td>40.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>i find meetings at shambhala center to be a very helpfull practice</td> </tr><tr> <td>41.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being in the various roles of leadership has taught me to listen and to think of others - much like my marriage has! This is profound off the cushion training for me. Without it I fear that I would have seen practice as a way to escape conflict. Being in the community has made me more confident and brave, and more comfortable with myself - even when I don't like myself. For this I am deeply grateful.....</td> </tr><tr> <td>42.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Nothing specifically comes to mind but it is certainly wonderful that my experience is our local Sangha is growing and maturing. (I hope that I can continue to grow and mature with my fellow practitioners on the path.)</td> </tr><tr> <td>43.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I appreciate the ongoing opportunities that are offered for further education in the Dharma. I know that for many people in our Sangha, opportunity to travel to a major center for things like WA is out of their range because of $$$ and time off constraints. Most Shambhala students I have taught just don't make it to WA. It would be helpful to have a major center here on the West coast. Blessings to all of you.</td> </tr><tr> <td>44.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>just knowing that there are others out there trying to wake up , and talking to them helps</td> </tr><tr> <td>45.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Just knowing a lot of people and understanding how each one is inspired by the dharma gives a lot of internal relaxation and humour. Seeing how the view helps people a great deal.</td> </tr><tr> <td>46.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The only things that come close are my experiences at Karme Choling, dathun, and seminary, though with growing loneliness in that order, and then beyond.</td> </tr><tr> <td>47.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I think we should have more social events of a non-practice nature, where we simply get to know each other and have a little fun. It is always appreciated when we do it, but we so rarely do.</td> </tr><tr> <td>48.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Just having been on this path for more than thirty years with so many precious friends and amazing teachers.</td> </tr><tr> <td>49.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The kindness of the other sangha members has been very important to me. I've also witnessed how often things that seemed absolutely clear one moment turned out to be different entirely, and witnessing that in the way things run in the sangha has gotten me to slow down and not get irate when things aren't going the way I think they should. The system we have for connecting people with meditation instructors is great, and my MI, who's also very involved with the running of the local sangha, has taught me a great deal through example and teaching about what it means to be a more dharmic person, and how to slow down and listen.</td> </tr><tr> <td>50.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Meditation instruction and readings and instruction based around Chogyam Trunpa's books The Myth of Freedom and Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism.</td> </tr><tr> <td>51.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have learned a lot about getting along with other people and that just because you have meditated a long time you cannot be counted on to have any particular equanimity over any particular issue at any particular time. We all struggle. Also, if I did not go to the group practices I would sometimes not practice at all!</td> </tr><tr> <td>52.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Over the years, having the sangha available to offer support and encouragement when life/practice seemed difficult. The honesty of fellow practitioners to provide what was needed, and to remind me, through their words and actions, why we have chosen this path. &quot;As for the sangha of the great yana...They are worthy of veneration with palms joined. They are worthy of receiving prostration. They are a field of glorious merit. They are completely capable of receiving all gifts. They are an object of generosity. They are a great object of complete generosity. Having been liberated, they show the path to liberation. They are fully dedicated to the disciplines. They are a holy field of merit and possess virtue: I prostrate to the sangha.&quot;</td> </tr><tr> <td>53.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>A regular communication with my M.I.</td> </tr><tr> <td>54.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the retreats at Dechen Choling and be a coordinator at the local center</td> </tr><tr> <td>55.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>teaching and being an m.i. also being part of the council in the past. everything really, but I understood that by living at KCL for a couple of years. Not sure I would have the same perspective without that experience.</td> </tr><tr> <td>56.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have found th epracitces used in the shambhala Institute very useful in birngin out the wisdom of the community e.g. open space cafe, etc.</td> </tr><tr> <td>57.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Weekend or longer pograms that involve a lot of practice as well as some teaching.</td> </tr><tr> <td>58.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I believe all the programs ie studying a book, discussion groups, Sahambhala levels, Budhist classes etc have made me a more confident person.</td> </tr><tr> <td>59.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being part of a large community that has regional and city centers all over the world has brought richness and diversity to my life. In particular, I find sharing the dharma with people from other countries and cultures to be particularly helpful.</td> </tr><tr> <td>60.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I belong to an informal social group of women who are all members of the larger Sangha. We regularily discuss how our practice informs all the aspects of our life and we practice together. It is the heart of my path.</td> </tr><tr> <td>61.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>In the way that shamatha/vipasyana practice allows me to let go of who I think I am. I find I can extend that out into the community . Also, simply being asked to help and that I can say no , Or doing whats needed and doing it without being stroked , thats awesome too</td> </tr><tr> <td>62.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have a very helpul MI</td> </tr><tr> <td>63.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>n/a</td> </tr><tr> <td>64.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Group practice has been extraordinarily helpful, all types of group practice. In such situations, there is no or little confusion about intention or motivation. The non-structured discussions that arise all the time after practice and in community gatherings where practice has been a great element have, on the whole, been very helpful and empowered my faith in sangha to serve each other and work things out. The space awareness teachings of Trungpa Rinpoche and teachings on speech, logic (such as Ground-Path-Fruition, View-Practice-Action) have been very helpful. Actually, these are practices that have shaped my view of community life, not the other way around. In general,I find that clarity of practice supports community, not so much the other way around, unless community has already been shaped by practice and study. It's interesting how many questions in this survey have sneaky biases. You phrase this question wondering if some aspect of community life has helped me a great deal as a practitioner, and here I'm saying it's the other way around, that practice and study and understanding influences &quot;community life.&quot; Action comes out of view, not the other way around. That's part of what makes communication with the so-called center of the mandala so frustrating -- so many questions and agendas are presented ass-backwards. I have also had many sangha experiences of how not to communicate and a few experiences where communication has been well facilitated has been most helpful. In particular, I learned how not to conduct a group process or group discussion by witnessing the work of the [ ] in the 1980s. Also, I benefited by seeing the sane functioning of some groups whose reasons for being together were clear (rather than kept obscure) and whose members practiced some kind of space awareness (which is not just a gimmick, like some use of the &quot;talking stick&quot;. There is no problem with the talking stick, of course -- it's just that it's no substitute for space awareness.) There have been many negative examples of conduct in the sangha that has helped me gain clarity about how not to be and what not to do. Trungpa Rinpoche's guidelines for speech have been helpful (listen to your words, speak slowly, be aware of silence, etc.), along with the elocution practice. In my path as a practitioner and meditation instructor, I have been helped greatly by a few meditation instructors (in particular, [ ]) and mentors ([ ]). I have been helped by practice itself, both individual and group retreat. There seems to be little notion of the value of such retreats in the current sangha (when one looks at what &quot;dathun&quot;; has turned into at SMC, for instance, or all the &quot;theme dathuns&quot;, as if dathun itself did not have a real objective that was worth presenting.) My belief is that real dathuns still happen at Karme Choling, but I haven't had the time to staff one of those. Not confusing generalities about path with people's actual experience of path has been very helpful. Please address any response to this survey to [ ].</td> </tr><tr> <td>65.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Trainings and classes</td> </tr><tr> <td>66.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>meditation practice, ie shamatha, mindfulness practice or mahamudra (depending on what you want to call it) seems like a pretty good idea It seems that some kind of fairly consistent core curriculum, that did not change so much would help. Also it seems like a lot of &quot;experimenting&quot; with &quot;new&quot; approaches does not seem all that helpful and a lot of it seems like just people trying to get famous or something by coming up with some revolutionary new technique. basic Buddhism, regardless what you call it seems to actually work pretty well.(no anti-Shambhala sentiment intended, as personally I don't now, nor never have seen them as separate. (even when as a ST director I was SUPPOSED TO be seeing them as different.</td> </tr><tr> <td>67.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Moving to Nova Scotia, the Dorje Kasung, the Shambhala Lodge, Council of Warriors, Tseringma Circle, Dekyong Council, Shambhala School, Ecology Action Centre--it all helps.</td> </tr><tr> <td>68.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Sun Camp has been central to my path - it is the reason, I think, that I am now a sadhaka.</td> </tr><tr> <td>69.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>sharing different styles of devotion to the teachings and teachers is often refreshing</td> </tr><tr> <td>70.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Service. Volunteering for anything at the center. Starting small -- this grows naturally. But one must do this as a practitioner and with a practitioner's view, or there will be burn-out. When there is burn-out, it maybe time for someone else to do the job. After a period of time and practice, another job will arise. There are endless things to be done. Kasung practice is a good place to start, if nowhere else is obvious. It raise awareness and neurosis. Don't buy into the view of being a victim. it is too focused on oneself. Offer instead.</td> </tr><tr> <td>71.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Teaching and working with others in terms of practice is the most inspiring thing I do as a practitioner, especially with newer students, because it's always a reminder of my own reasons and inspirations for being on this path, and also a reminder of how simple and straightforward a connection with dharma can be, how open to dharma so many people are.</td> </tr><tr> <td>72.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My exceptional meditation instructor. I can never thank him enough.</td> </tr><tr> <td>73.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Having a meditation instructor, being welcome in a local Shambhala community, making friends there, having information about the path, next programs, etc. as well as learning about the Shambhala vision.</td> </tr><tr> <td>74.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>sitting with others attending prorams</td> </tr><tr> <td>75.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The volunteer work; feeling that I am contributing to something bigger than myslef that is significant. Listening to other member's stories, questions, journey's. There was much about this survey that I didn't feel so good about completing . . . I feel most closely affiliated to the [ ] but have lived away from [ ] almost 5 years. I have not become involved in a more local center because the few people I met there seemed rigid and also because I've been travelling a lot.</td> </tr><tr> <td>76.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Sangha is very important to me. Classes, events, group practice, etc. are the ways I prefer to fill my social calendar. The sangha I am currently part of is my third. I was very unhappy, lonely and dissatisfied with the previous group. We did not gather very often for programs and I did not have any real friends within the sangha. I believe this led me to feel detached from my personal practice and probably is what led me to move across the country to a place convenient to another Shambhala community. I am very happy with this group and they are my life blood.</td> </tr><tr> <td>77.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>It has taken me a long time to get over myself, not that the job is done by any stretch. I have found irritation, provided handsomely by the sangha, of unending benefit, analogous to the &quot;Bengali Teaboy&quot; concept. At one point, I had dropped out of the sangha for five years (1978-1983), but rejoined as I realized that there was no way but through. I realized that the sangha was difficult because it is a mirror showing me clearly what I am holding on to in a very direct way. Long retreats, in comparison, are easy. Hopefully, I am becoming a more useful human being, inching along on a very long path. The aspect that has been most helpful are people's display of wisdom as a result of their own practice and without trying to say or do the right thing, or the company line. As our sangha ages, that is becoming more commonplace, fortunately. Being thrown together with others as we do what we do is often the best way for me for appreciate the sangha, rather than formalizing everything.</td> </tr><tr> <td>78.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>In general, our community feels like a &quot;caring&quot; community, and studying and practicing together enhances that feeling and supports me on the path</td> </tr><tr> <td>79.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Functioning as an MI is a constant inspiration in watching others reach towards their own sanity. I have no vision of the Kingdom of Shambhala. I have, however, a great respect for meditation practice, both group and individual, and am inspired to help spread that.</td> </tr><tr> <td>80.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Sharing doubts, sharing inspiration; working together to create a good situation for practice and study</td> </tr><tr> <td>81.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Watching how land centers work, so the example can be &quot;transferred&quot;</td> </tr><tr> <td>82.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Taking part in Encampments and in teaching programs</td> </tr><tr> <td>83.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>friendship</td> </tr><tr> <td>84.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>community life provides the environment for deepening our ability to care,understand and have compassion for each other ie. living the Dharma.</td> </tr><tr> <td>85.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I get confused by the separation of the Shambhala teachings and Buddhist teachings. I understand that people of all Faiths are welcomed. I find myself to be one of a few Buddhists in the level trainings and when I hear the teachings, I hear Buddhist teachings but with different terminology. When I speak to the non-buddhist students about the teachings, they have no idea that the lessons are buddhist based but with a twist. I have spoken to the teachers about this and they acknowledge this to be true. It is somehow disconcerting to me.</td> </tr><tr> <td>86.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>very slowly... but the diversity of people in the sangha helpes me to work with duality; good/wrong, nice/not nice/ wanting/not wanting etc.It helpes me to work with my own arogance and anger.</td> </tr><tr> <td>87.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Living at a land center is a powerful experience - difficult in many ways but stretches me in good ways too. The lack of privacy, the exposure, the nakedness is a challenge but I think ultimately very good.</td> </tr><tr> <td>88.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Becoming involved through Coordinator, Shambhala Guide, and A.D. Training courses and using the training in voluntering has become my path, my community. I prefer those outlets to large community gatherings.</td> </tr><tr> <td>89.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Volunteering and teaching and being on staff at residential programs</td> </tr><tr> <td>90.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Volunteering has been instrumental. Days like Shambhala day where the entire community, vajrayana or not, gathers, not to fulfill a prerequisite, not to get more of a practice done, not to hear an amazing teacher, but just to experience Sangha. I come from the methodist christian tradition and every week after church we would have &quot;fellowship&quot; time. It's the only thing I miss - gathering with no other purpose than to gather. (At another shambhala center I was a member of we had a Wednesday night sit focused on members (though anyone was invited) we sat, we read from a dharma book and we had tea. It was delicious)</td> </tr><tr> <td>91.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Developing patience, particularly with surveys like this.</td> </tr><tr> <td>92.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Good Bad Happy Sad All thought vanish into emptiness</td> </tr><tr> <td>93.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Richard Reoch's visits and Chi-Kung practice</td> </tr><tr> <td>94.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The warmth and depth of sharing during group dicussions.</td> </tr><tr> <td>95.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>continuity, which I believe is one translation of tantra</td> </tr><tr> <td>96.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I can't regularly participate due to lack of family programming</td> </tr><tr> <td>97.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the vajrayana community practicing together (ngondro &amp; feast practices)</td> </tr><tr> <td>98.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Es ist einfach grossartig Teil einer Gemeinschaft zu sein, welche sich darum bemoht diese Welt etwas wertvoller zu machen. Daruber hinaus bietet die Auseinandersetzung und Zusammenarbeit mit vielen Menschen innerhalb des Sangha die Moglichkeit echten Kontakt mit seinem Herzen zu machen und das eigene Ego etwas mehr beiseite schieben zu konnen. Die Lehren konnen innerhalb des Sangha auf eine sehr bodenstundige und praktische Art angewendet und erfahren werden.</td> </tr><tr> <td>99.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>for me it always were intensive practice times with others that lead to friendships, and these friendships to community life, when there weren't practice friendships, not much community life was happening.</td> </tr><tr> <td>100.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My relationship with all of my previous and current meditation instructors has been a great support. I have always felt a strong personal connection to them, and that they genuinely cared for my situation and did the best they could to point out a way to relate my life to the path.</td> </tr><tr> <td>101.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I don;t think I have dealt with it particularly well. I had to reject Shambhala for a couple of years after living at the land center and having those experiences of boundarylessness with teachers. Then- I realized that CTRs teachings were way too important to me to give up. I look at the individuals that make up my sangha and I really admire and enjoy them. Even if some of them are crusty and rude and challenging. They are at least there and working on their minds, too.</td> </tr><tr> <td>102.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Kasungship has helped tremendously to deepen my commitment to the path. Also, volunteering helps to motivate me to go to programs, and makes the programs more affordable. Thank you...</td> </tr><tr> <td>103.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>spending time at a land center as staff or participant - great experience of community</td> </tr><tr> <td>104.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My leadership roles &amp; Staffing coordinating AD,Directing has helped me to work with people &amp; appreciate the sangha and practicing together with others has helped to develop my appreciation of sangha</td> </tr><tr> <td>105.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Encampment Interfaith dialogue Disciplines flowing out of the Shambhala Institute</td> </tr><tr> <td>106.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Yes, sitting with a group, community encourages my practice.</td> </tr><tr> <td>107.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being the centre director</td> </tr><tr> <td>108.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Meditation instructors have been the key for me in my personal development and in the way I work with other people now. Archaryas, too. Most of us actually experience the guru through those personal relationships and face-to-face connections.</td> </tr><tr> <td>109.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>MY MI, however it has been very inconsistent as well. I guess that is how I would describe my entire Shambhala experience overall, inconsistent</td> </tr><tr> <td>110.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Knowing thatthe center and everything that happens in it is there, always, with several choices of ways to participate, give, take, go deeper, learn, love others on the path. It's precious</td> </tr><tr> <td>111.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Probably community helped me to give up my own wishes for practice (which I love) and surrender into serving the community (which I find a burden) - and of course in doing that, one again has to surrender all the usual stuff like opinions and anger etc. and try to be of real help. And probably surrendering is the core of the path and the main practice anyway</td> </tr><tr> <td>112.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Dorje Kasung feast practice</td> </tr><tr> <td>113.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The brilliant example of my teacher, The Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche. The kindness of others (meditation instructors, sangha friends)when I am confused. The opportunity to attend and staff programs at land centers-where we all seem to manifest more gently and coalesce into a gentler society.</td> </tr><tr> <td>114.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Stop acting cultish and remember the simplicity of awareness. Ask ourselves if the Buddha walked around asking for money for temples, special programs, or advertising, &quot;Here we are, Here we are!&quot;?</td> </tr><tr> <td>115.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Practicing in the group. Having the example of older students who have lived the life and relate anidotes from their venerable teacher. I find chanting very helpful and when I find my mind too confused I chant. It helps!</td> </tr><tr> <td>116.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>from the beginning I felt warmly welcome in our centre. That is still the general atmosfer during open evenings.</td> </tr><tr> <td>117.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>dathun</td> </tr><tr> <td>118.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>We have drawn strength from living in larger practice centers such as Boulder or Karme Choling. Even smaller communities where there was a strong nucleus of senior students provide a strong connection with practice and sangha. However, these situations paint a painful contrast when living in communities where openness and inclusiveness are not practiced.</td> </tr><tr> <td>119.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Group practice, feast practice. Studying the dharma and teaching it. Being a meditation instructor, serving on the council, being an assistant director for shambhala levels, studying and doing ikebana. Coordinating programs and staffing. What has especially helped as a tantrika is to study Werma and practice with my fellow tantrikas.</td> </tr><tr> <td>120.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Weekly sadhaka class over a period of many years, led by senior teachers. This group, being small enough to bring experiential meditation questions up for discussion acted as my &quot;meditation instructor&quot;. The consistency over time of this group, and the dedication of the leaders were essential for this positive experience.</td> </tr><tr> <td>121.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Group practice is where the magic is!</td> </tr><tr> <td>122.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>One on one deep friendships with a handful of incredible human beings. On Shambhala Day, I am always blown away by the roll call with centers from all over the world-this year-Iran! Despite deep wounding that has occurred for me at my center-I have stayed true to the profound teachings and the possibility for authentic enlightened community. I resonate with this brilliant vision for myself and the planet. There is such a urgent need for this vision to be realized.</td> </tr><tr> <td>123.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Joy in working together</td> </tr><tr> <td>124.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>To invite people to practice and socialize,spend time togheter is the best!</td> </tr><tr> <td>125.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I wish the Dekyong manual would be updated and reintroduced to the community</td> </tr><tr> <td>126.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The open nature of our sangha. Everyone is welcome, and we advertise and practice that aspect. We follow up new visitors, but we do not hound them. If you come once, then don't come again for a year, that's okay; you're still welcome and we keep you on our email list serve until you request off.</td> </tr><tr> <td>127.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>feasts and other ways of breaking bread together</td> </tr><tr> <td>128.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>living temporarily at a dharma centre, having a good connection with meditation instructor, doing programs taught by Sakyong</td> </tr><tr> <td>129.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being at the centre for programs and events gives power to my shambhala buddhist practicies, since there is an actual opportunity to develop those practices in the context of a real-life community.</td> </tr><tr> <td>130.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Doing programs and practice together I just clicked something and it looks like everything is erased again. Let me know if it has to be done again.</td> </tr><tr> <td>131.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>see notes from previous page</td> </tr><tr> <td>132.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The community has space for me to be and do in whatever forms are presently workable. How wonderful!</td> </tr><tr> <td>133.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Yes, I was very inspired by the support I got (and my family) while in ICU after a major car accident by many members whom I didn't even know well.</td> </tr><tr> <td>134.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>i think i said earlier that being in a leadership role, and being a more senior person with some perspective has helped. this past year i made a commitment to get involved more. this commitment has had an enormous impact on my practice and on my personal life and outlook. in particular, i think it was making the commitment to become more involved that helped me make a break-thru in seeing the logic and the double-sided benefit of being more patient and more relaxed.</td> </tr><tr> <td>135.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The participation of older, more experienced students and their willingness to teach, talk and socialize with our group.</td> </tr><tr> <td>136.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>since attending vajrayana seminary... we practice on the 3rd weekend of every month... that has really been wonderful!</td> </tr><tr> <td>137.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Dealing with community life is practice. It means that you are in a community that, through all of its faults, is at least trying to work with the situation. There are things that can be done to protect the young and vulnerable, and also for challenging situations. But this is not about perfection. we will make mistakes. This is about being awake</td> </tr><tr> <td>138.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being on live-in programmes is so intensely irritating that it has forced me to work more with my own mind.</td> </tr><tr> <td>139.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have had a difficult time finding a MI because of a couple of challenges, but I think that a MI is important to be able to ask questions and to get one-on-one feed back.</td> </tr><tr> <td>140.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>visiting teachers and abhishekas community feasts, both open and restricted vajrayana practice programs Milarepa day practices advanced vajrayana programs (dzogchen)</td> </tr><tr> <td>141.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The sangha is a pain in the ass. That is 100% the path. I adore the sangha. I have no problem with this community at all, and no problem with you all trying to improve it.</td> </tr><tr> <td>142.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>A long time ago, it galaxy far, far away a sangha member held parties at her house. She like to invite people into her house, and let them have some fun. It was a very simple recipe for building community. If anyone didn't like her, well, they stayed away. But mostly, people showed up because our friend was genuine and unpretentious. She didn't wear some bullshit Shambhala mantle of &quot;smartness&quot; or middle-brow englightenment, she was just a person with a big heart, and luckily her house could accomodate some equally big-hearted parties.</td> </tr><tr> <td>143.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have found the social events extremely uplifting and supportive - helpful to integrate Dharma into daily life and to be inspired by the commitment and practice of more advanced students and newer students too. This is all highly motivating and has enriched my experience of life. It also helped my brother too - he came to one party with me and the Shambhala community was such a good social experience for him that it completely changed his life and since then he has become a practioner and is happier than ever before. I love the Shambhala sangha. The non-judgemental nature of most of the sangha and the fun side of the sangha has helped me to see that life can be related to with a light touch and be good fun as well as being meaningful.</td> </tr><tr> <td>144.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Aiding and coordinating Shambhala Levels. Participating in community events like Shambhala Day. Sitting a Dathun and assisting Warrior Assembly.</td> </tr><tr> <td>145.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Group living</td> </tr><tr> <td>146.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Serving others as a leader</td> </tr><tr> <td>147.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>i learned alot about leadership and community process and listening as center director.</td> </tr><tr> <td>148.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Having senior students to bring my questions to during Shambhala Training, Buddist or Nalanda programs (as participant or staff) or just in the hallway before or after sitting practice or in the parking lot or ...</td> </tr><tr> <td>149.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My meditation instructor.</td> </tr><tr> <td>150.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>seeing other students working through some serious conflicts and personal issues, and seeing them not ever give up on each other. seeing the compassion in action, with ourselves as well as with others, and the effort that is made by most of us to make this work and for the dharma to be widely available.</td> </tr><tr> <td>151.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My personal contact with a lot of sangha members was very helpful for me on my path.</td> </tr><tr> <td>152.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>having very close dharma friends</td> </tr><tr> <td>153.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Documenting Shambhala Society</td> </tr><tr> <td>154.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I always travel with members of my group as I have no car. This has helped me to get to know individuals outside of a formal setting so that I feel more closely bonded with my group.</td> </tr><tr> <td>155.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Yes. It's obstacles. Mostly it's obstacles. They break your heart - you always expect more than you get - you rarely get much - and so you learn how to let go and open up and stop expecting and just give what you can.</td> </tr><tr> <td>156.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The sangha is very friendly and open minded. The MI support is fantastic and the organisation and quality of talks too. I came to the group, new to meditation practice and Buddhism and have felt welcomed and now very much part of a community, aswell as having a deeper understanding of mediation practice.</td> </tr><tr> <td>157.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the existence of the international shanga and the duries I have performed around the VTR and the life in Karme Choling</td> </tr><tr> <td>158.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>1. Participating in residential programs at retreat centers has expanded my understanding of enlightened society. 2. Shambhala Training in general!!!! All council members/leaders in Shambhala should regularly participate/staff/teach Shambhala Training until they get what enlightened society means. 3. Practice of Authentic Presence curriculum has also been very helpful.</td> </tr><tr> <td>159.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the aspect that has helped me the most is being Umdze during month; attending classes. I think I would be most helped as a practitioner and community member right now if I could participate in an ongoing group at the center that looks at particular aspects of buddhism in depth---on an ongoing basis (weekly---throughout the year).</td> </tr><tr> <td>160.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the solving of conflicts, to face them and look at the play between my activity and the efects on the community has been a wonderful learning experience for me.</td> </tr><tr> <td>161.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The open willingness of individual folks to step forward and jump in.</td> </tr><tr> <td>162.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Staffing Shambhala Training weekends.</td> </tr><tr> <td>163.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Tessa Pybus' sangha in Rhode Island, before her death, was very helpful to me - very collaborative, inclusive, elegant and accessible.</td> </tr><tr> <td>164.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Off the cushion: I felt like an outsider for years at the Sangha. Funny words, lots of unexplained jargon, what I perceived as cliques...seemed that the message I was getting in some of the readings for in the upper levels of the Shambhala training was that I should not feel my feelings. On the cushion, I appreciated the company of the people as we sat together in the meditation hall. Just that kept me coming back. Eventually, our center director asked me to help with something, that brought me more in and I got to work side by side with people. I had a place. That has made a difference.</td> </tr><tr> <td>165.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>month long solitary retreats</td> </tr><tr> <td>166.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Seeing people using the teachings in their relationships with others at the center has been of great value to me.</td> </tr><tr> <td>167.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Teaching beginning level program and serving as a meditation instructor continually inspire me to see the basic goodness in all</td> </tr><tr> <td>168.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>As a &quot;Middle&quot; student - dharma brat who grew up without support for young people and suffered through the confusion and lack of path after the passing of CTR and the &quot;situation&quot; with the Vajra Regent - I feel myself somewhat left out - I don't have the strong bonds the younger DB's have, and my connections are mostly with senior students rather than people my own age. My group - 35-45 seems to be shut out of the &quot;youth&quot; events but no entirely ready or have prerequs for advanced practice. Through in kids and you have frustration. A lot of us late 30-somethings had the great fortune to have known CTR, and could offer a lot if we could feel a welcome space - not as &quot;new&quot; students but as respected members of the sangha.</td> </tr><tr> <td>169.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I spend most of my time amongst non-Buddhists. It is very important to me to know that I can go to the center and be among people who are practicing.</td> </tr><tr> <td>170.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>learning to work with others as a Volunteer in Publicity; getting copy, schedules, etc.</td> </tr><tr> <td>171.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>staying connected with the vajrayogini feasts and practice and with the sadhaka community has helped me stay connected to my path and my maha sangha</td> </tr><tr> <td>172.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I was going through treatment for breast cancer and there were a number of community members who reached out and continue to be helpful. Reaching out and extending compassion is very helpful.</td> </tr><tr> <td>173.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being in relationship with a fellow meditator has been predominantly the single most important thing in feeling connected to practices, both community oriented and non-community oriented.</td> </tr><tr> <td>174.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>They have been very kind and supportive when I went through a particularly difficult time in my life. The more experienced practitioners also help direct me in particular practices and books that were of help.</td> </tr><tr> <td>175.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>feeling attached to individuals has helped me stay connected when i couldn't participate as a community member.</td> </tr><tr> <td>176.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Dorje Kasung</td> </tr><tr> <td>177.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Continuity of Group Practice. Group socials to discuss practice and relationship to life informally.</td> </tr><tr> <td>178.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>discovering equanimity as a tool</td> </tr><tr> <td>179.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>volunteering to staff levels</td> </tr><tr> <td>180.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have fierce old and ingrained patterns for judgement and the community did not have this and went a step further that they did not mind too-much about my own tendencies. The overall kindness of the sangha towards me has been miraclous in so many situations that it has helped me to be kind to myself which in turn has prompted me to be somewhat kind towards others. This aspect is somewhat vague perhaps but it outshines all else for me...it has emerged as the most potent juice for me.</td> </tr><tr> <td>181.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Definitely, the shared vision is important to my sense of connection with others in the community. It is welcoming and relaxing to be in the company of like minded people. A few years ago I was very ill for a few months. The sangha was there for me in every way. Very supportive. I don't know what I would have done without them.</td> </tr><tr> <td>182.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I probably speak for many when I say the sangha is at the same time a source of great irritation and frustration, and of great inspiration. It is an important part of my life as a practitioner.</td> </tr><tr> <td>183.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I love sadhana practice and the community it creates. I feel that element is missing for non-vajrayana students. People used to talk about how great the Ashe Society was but for the amount of effort it takes to attend it's has not been as frequent or satisfying as sadhana practice. I feel our community falls apart at the W.A. &amp; Seminary transition, meaning we loose a lot of people about a year after completing the curriculum. I don't understand why Creating Enlightened Society is practically a non-topic in our organization. I believe it's our true glue and need to be lifted up to its proper place in our culture. I get a sense that is occurring now that finances are sort of fixed but I'm getting a little tired of waiting for it to come into being. Thank you very much for putting together this survey. It is also a valuable means of communication that should be recognized as such. Ki ki so so ashe la gyel lo tak seng kung druk de ar kye!</td> </tr><tr> <td>184.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I wish I could! It is so much to say....</td> </tr><tr> <td>185.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>-Starting and somehow sustaining a Bodhi School program singlehanded for 4 years -Being part of the Executive Council in various roles over the years -Volunteering for Shambhala Training programs</td> </tr><tr> <td>186.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>strong connections developed over time with sangha - sense of acceptance and camaraderie on the path</td> </tr><tr> <td>187.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The shared commitment to compassion, and especially to the opening of the heart; the emphasis on experience (rather than belief) and practice; the powerful image of the open heart of sadness.</td> </tr><tr> <td>188.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>This survey is a good thing. Thank you</td> </tr><tr> <td>189.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Group programmes and vajrayana gatherings.</td> </tr><tr> <td>190.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Senior students who are living the teachings of the Vidyadhara and the Sakyong.</td> </tr><tr> <td>191.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>if in need, fellow practitioners have really an open ear and willingness to be adressed.</td> </tr><tr> <td>192.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being a rusung and desung and having to deal with difficult situation realy teach me a lot. We did some meeting with some of the karuna training participant to talk about what can we bring to the communauty. We gather and some house and eat and drink and talk.It was fun, inspiring and efficient. And for the and I leave it here because I didn't find a place for: I miss in the sangha some spaces to mix the teaching and my daily life, my daily difficulty. I feel that the teaching give the view, but in ours programes I feel like cut from my outside life and I would like this opic to be adressed. I would like us to be more concret. I personaly suffer from not being able to fullfill the brilliant vision I am presented to in Shambhala, and up to now I haven't been able to find some help about that.</td> </tr><tr> <td>193.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>seminary</td> </tr><tr> <td>194.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I am so loved and accepted by my teacher, Lama Norhla Rinpoche ~ I have not heard if any of his teachers have been to Shambhala or not ~~ His smile is so spacious and his devotion for his teachers is so loving ~ I am embraced by the Heart of Love ~ Whenever I gaze on the image of Dorje Chang, I am in the presence of Lama ~ Once, there was a teacher who came to Shambhala who also had recently been to Lama Norhla's. My mind perceived an essence like being suspended above, like an eagle foating on the air currents above the Grand Canyon...a silence so vast it could be felt ~</td> </tr><tr> <td>195.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The generosity and kindness of all the practioners in our community I consider to be a great gift.</td> </tr><tr> <td>196.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Hanging out with the Dutch sangha in the early days.</td> </tr><tr> <td>197.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The encouragement to accept and face the annoyances of it.</td> </tr><tr> <td>198.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the kasung has come closest as a dharma family for me. I trust with my life other kasung; we're close-knit and rely on each other. I don't feel that way about alot of other sangha members. I'm not sure how to translate this into the larger sangha, but I'm still here because of the kasung.</td> </tr><tr> <td>199.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The very presence of the local sangha: It was a magnet for me when I moved to this city, since I wanted to connect and get to know people here. And more recently, the local sangha has served as a reminder to read the dharma and actively apply it to my life. When for four years I lived in a city with no Shambhala Center, I really drifted away from the dharma.</td> </tr><tr> <td>200.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>i know that sanga will always be there for me, they are my family.</td> </tr><tr> <td>201.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>To spend time together in the nature like hiking, skiing, swimming ...</td> </tr><tr> <td>202.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche. His example of unconditional, unflinching acceptance and fearless activity. His humour. Never forget the humour. Also, how our sangha as a whole has appeared to manifest this quality. Not always all individuals, but as a whole we're pretty amazing. And of course the teachings. Without those to articulate my fuzz-buzz longings and insight, how would I have confidence in the view?</td> </tr><tr> <td>203.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>In the early years 1980 to 1990 every one from sadhaka tantrica to shamhata students would regularly practice together.</td> </tr><tr> <td>204.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I would say that some Mid-summers Days, the consecration events at SMC, personal involvement at the Kalapa Court, spending time at Dechen Choling, have all been mile-stones in my life as a shambhala member. I am confident that our meditation practises are good and helpful, that our leaders are part of a great lineage tradition, and that as long as we keep these juices flowing we will be a beacon unto ourselves and others in an ever-darkening world.</td> </tr><tr> <td>205.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Genuinely supportive people, individually and in small groups from within the Sangha.</td> </tr><tr> <td>206.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I think the most important thing is being able to practice with other people. Teaching situations are wonderful, but they depend on a particular teacher's schedule. The ability to get together for werma feasts in recent years has been a wonderful addition to the general enriching process.</td> </tr><tr> <td>207.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Just the simple getting together, and reinforcing ties and friendships. The respect and dignity which has been accorded to me and enabled me to manifest this for others, and to see the bigger view. This stuff really works!</td> </tr><tr> <td>208.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being able to meet others with similar aspirations and forming friendships with people who have similar values and are also committed to self-development and awareness.</td> </tr><tr> <td>209.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Working together on committees and projects.</td> </tr><tr> <td>210.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>group meditation, and meditation instruction/support</td> </tr><tr> <td>211.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>living at Karme Choling</td> </tr><tr> <td>212.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being blessed by the presence of caring, deeply human and well practiced senior students has helped me tremendously. I didnt know CTR~at least not directly. Also community gatherings where we simply socialize~no agendas, simply relax, share news of families, challenges, worklife, etc. The daily stuff of life.</td> </tr><tr> <td>213.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being invited to do something, such as ikebana or coordinating or being on the Shambhala Training Executive when it existed. Having an active relationship with a meditation instructor. Having my husband included in events even though he is not a practitioner.</td> </tr><tr> <td>214.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>prison work (general community, assistant directing Shambhala training</td> </tr><tr> <td>215.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Sukhavati ceremony held for my late husband</td> </tr><tr> <td>216.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Programs which is inclusive of both buddhist practioners and the shambhalians. We were so happy last year that Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche laid out a plan of coming once a year also in Europe giving dzogchen teaching to all vajrayana students including the whole vajra sangha. And we were sad that we learned the Sakyong had changed this and now invited those who could fulfill the prerequisites of the shambhalian path. Even for an old practioner it is so important to have this regularly gatherings which are including all of us.</td> </tr><tr> <td>217.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>just constantly working with generosity, patience, discipline, exertion, meditation, wisdom.</td> </tr><tr> <td>218.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>It's really important for everyone to take on a leadership role in some aspect of their community at some point or points in their shambhala lifetime. what you learn can never be replicated in any other way. It's a bit like the learning that happens on your feet as a parent. Being on the spot and responsible is the fast track to growing and gaining confidence.</td> </tr><tr> <td>219.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have been a longtime practitioner of meditation, but always as a loner. This experience has convinced me of the importance of community in personal practice. I have come to Shambhala hungry for a supportive and loving sangha. I believe I have found that, but am having a hard time connecting or &amp;quot;beaking through&amp;quot; to feel part of the group. The people in the sangha have been unfailingly friendly and pleasant to me, and I learn from their example. It is a really wonderful group, and I'd like to feel more a part of it.</td> </tr><tr> <td>220.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I love attending the public programs and find it magical when new folks cross the threshold looking for something meaningful, something to ease their suffering. They remind me and inspire me.</td> </tr><tr> <td>221.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Shared experience re: death and dying.</td> </tr><tr> <td>222.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Holding a leadership position</td> </tr><tr> <td>223.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Uhff, various things: Teach, putting your communication skills</td> </tr><tr> <td>224.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The path of education and practice: Shambhala Training, SSBS, Seminary, other major programs. Recently Mahamudra pracice.</td> </tr><tr> <td>225.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Ikebana. Many great teachers including Trunpa Rinpoche (indirectly) showed me how to discrimnate without judgement through this practice, I try and pass it on.</td> </tr><tr> <td>226.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>When I participated in two big programms (MI training &amp; Sutrayana). What had come up really changed my life, or my attidute towards my life! There were also very important (for my community) two weekthuns we had within our local shangha.</td> </tr><tr> <td>227.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>This is one of the best surveys I have ever taken (although long!!). The questions are thoughtful and seem to cut to the chase of important issues. Kudos on your development of it. One small mistake: regarding the length of time we've been members (one of the earliest questions), the options given exclude some possibilities. For example, I have been a member for 3.5 years, so I chose 1-3 years instead of 4-10 years. The years should overlap on this question. Otherwise - great! Thank you for all you're doing out there. Shambhala has been a very important force in my life for the past several years, and I look forward to participating in our further growth.</td> </tr><tr> <td>228.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The Shambhala training programs (both Heart of Warriorship and Sacred Path) and Sadhana of Mahamudra practices have been most important to me.</td> </tr><tr> <td>229.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>far and away group practice on all levels</td> </tr><tr> <td>230.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>To be supported by skillfull teachers and MI's; to connect on an emotional level with Sangha sisters + brothers, as well as teachers. To share common experiences, e.g. programms, seminary, Warrior Assembly etc. To be in different roles: participant, staff, MI, household, etc.</td> </tr><tr> <td>231.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Sun Camp is amazing, people should be sending their children at all cost.</td> </tr><tr> <td>232.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Participation in centre activities from formal practice to coordinating events and working together.</td> </tr><tr> <td>233.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the compassionate nature of the sangha members</td> </tr><tr> <td>234.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Being a meditation instructor</td> </tr><tr> <td>235.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The third jewel is a central part of my practice. WIth longing for connection and working with annoyances and benefiting from advanced practitioners, it's really a complete package. And what a nobel, and beautiful one it is !</td> </tr><tr> <td>236.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I was not surging for community at al, actualy when i committed to the buddhist path i was done with society &quot;totaly&quot;. Because the members of my sangha let me be, but also give me the felling to be there when needed, i'm slowly opend myself again to commitment. Not pusshing or pulling seems to me the most importent thing happend, the feeling that its oke to be what you are or become gives me a tremendes confedence for everything comming.</td> </tr><tr> <td>237.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Any coming together of sangha members. There is always benefit.</td> </tr><tr> <td>238.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>being a regular member of my sangha has given me great insight to a much larger view. The inspiration I have found through doing the Shambhala levels through W.A. has been huge in how I live my life. This is such a rich path, one just needs motivation and there are no limits. I am so grateful to have found this path and want to do as much as possible to help others to as well. Thank you for this opportunity.</td> </tr><tr> <td>239.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>sharing practice and study; longer periods</td> </tr><tr> <td>240.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>While living at Karme Choling in particular, having access to a very broad range of people and being able to both practice and socialize with them.</td> </tr><tr> <td>241.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The Dorje Kasung Clan</td> </tr><tr> <td>242.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The irritation and overwhelm of community life is perhaps my most profound teacher. It is through this that I begin to see my own &quot;me-plan&quot;, become more sensitive to the pain and the needs of others, and begin to experience the profundity of the bodhisattva path.</td> </tr><tr> <td>243.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Ich bin sehr dankbar fur die MIs! Dass es uberhaupt die Moglichkeit gibt zu MI-Gesprachen, unentgeldlich noch dazu, was alles andere als selbstverstandlich und enorm hilfreich ist!</td> </tr><tr> <td>244.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>regelmassige Meditationsabende</td> </tr><tr> <td>245.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I feel that a lot of the comments I made in this survey could be taken as a negative view only. I have had a wonderful and maturing relationship with the sangha in many ways over decades of involvement. Studying with visiting teachers and having the opportunity to teach and learn from new students has been extremely rewarding. I have repeatedly felt used and manipulated by some of my peers on the other hand. Our community has been very ambitious with many new projects and programs (which I am grateful for) but it also sometimes creates ambitious climbers that are unethical in their methods to be noticed. Maybe this is true of any community and I should just get used to it. But since I have felt hurt by it, I am sure I'm not the only one.</td> </tr><tr> <td>246.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>friendship with members</td> </tr><tr> <td>247.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>---</td> </tr><tr> <td>248.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I am very pleased and grateful to be part of shambhala. I am confident that our confusion will dawn as wisdom. Thank you for asking, and please continue to ask us about what's going on.</td> </tr><tr> <td>249.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>yes... MANY!</td> </tr><tr> <td>250.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The fact that the centre moved closer to where I work, so I can attend activities after work.</td> </tr><tr> <td>251.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My frequent stays at Dechen Choling, France. Being part of the community day and night, is a very rich experience for me - again and again.</td> </tr><tr> <td>252.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The thing that has helped me the most is group practice. Most of all, vajrayana practice intensives &amp; feast practice has done a lot to cement my sense of belonging with our Sangha over the past 25 years. In particular, having the Teacher (SMR) or senior teachers join the rest of us for feast practice is absolutely the best by far. It's times like those hat I feel like I'm back inhe time of Marpa.</td> </tr><tr> <td>253.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>my close sangha friends have been amazing in this time of trouble for me</td> </tr><tr> <td>254.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I transcribed some teachings by Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche given in our local center, for a well defined project. While struggling with my language barrier (English is not my first language) grammar problems and his speech: shortcuts in his thought pattern, and Tibetan expressions (fortunately I studied Tibetan language a little bit) I carried on with a project through broken bones, pains and sickness. I open up completely to his teaching. I was raw, and I clicked. Otherwise I would probably never connect with his teaching and style after a years of just being here without much of an involvement. Therefore, that is why I feel it will be good to have directory with departments and names and possibility for people to get engaged, participate, not be just a recipients of an 'organized' teaching or activity. I enjoy community meetings, lectures given by our own people, and Acharyas. I love to see them grow and mature and tackle different subjects. I love seeing people change over the years, enjoy their understanding and wisdom. In my heart I am repeating: it is possible. My personal path is little different, I work with my obstacles and 'bodily' karma, but I enjoy witnessing small miracles, peoples changes, their engagement and still good heart. I wish for more enjoyment and fun. Thank you for this opportunity to reflect on my path, engagement and tools I have ready and available.</td> </tr><tr> <td>255.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>volunteering or staffing really connects you to others.</td> </tr><tr> <td>256.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Group retreat practice, Conversation and advice from senior students, meetings with my wonderful, courageous, and open-hearted MI students.</td> </tr><tr> <td>257.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>n/a</td> </tr><tr> <td>258.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I consider being part of my community as a practice.</td> </tr><tr> <td>259.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I found taking part in a half-dathun in Poland last year very helpful.</td> </tr><tr> <td>260.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Without a doubt, being on permanent staff at SMC for 4 years helped tremendously. The opportunities to serve and learn and grow personally and to love and treasure the sangha in all its crazy wisdom and its just plain crazy manifestations abounded there. What a cornucopia of delights and difficulties it was, and I would do it again if I were ever so lucky again for karma to arrange it.</td> </tr><tr> <td>261.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Meditation practice and the teachings in a group setting and the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers from teachers are very helpful.</td> </tr><tr> <td>262.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I had a bout with cancer and found the community extremely helpful, caring and giving of their time. They also help me understand dealing with cancer as a path. . . . a very profound experience * I am 8 years cancer free.</td> </tr><tr> <td>263.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Delegs, Community gatherings, Group practice and retreats. Group retreats nourish the root and develop relationship rooted in view and practice that translate into everyday life.</td> </tr><tr> <td>264.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the sanga was very friendly and welcoming when i entered, my meditationinstructor was for a long time very helpfull. my fellow dharmasisters with whom i went to seminary have been a resource of friendship and working togehter for the sangha. Now its mainly the meeting with young inspired practioners during programs.</td> </tr><tr> <td>265.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Actually it's the seemingly small things.The caring aspects,someone who helps with a heavy bag,someone who see's that there is no chair for you at the mealtable.Listening....being able to be with one in a helpless situation.Loving kindness is the fuel...</td> </tr><tr> <td>266.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>-Encouragement, enthusiasm, support, accessibility, generosity, inspiration and friendliness of older/experienced practitioners--&amp;gt; being in contact with this in the community regularly -Evening in the week programs to stay in touch with the community and dharma teachings when busy in life -The notion of lineage in the present</td> </tr><tr> <td>267.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Kasung in a big way, a sense of caring for the greater community in terms of each individual we meet. Also Sun Camp and MPE, and Seminary, Assembly, all those bigger programs that actually create community and let us live in it, that are actual communities of practice. KOS teachings have inspired me very much, why I came to NS, but again I feel very much the distinction between community and organization, the Kingdom and the Government. Community life is up to us, moment by moment, in small ways, just as is practice itself. Grand creations and visions can inspire, set a context, but the practice is in small things.</td> </tr><tr> <td>268.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I have stated earlier that I am not a student of the Sakyong. However I respect him, look up to him as an advanced student on the path, and find he has insightful and helpful hints about practice. Having said this, it is impossible to see him. If the Sakyong is the king of Shambhala, he should go out amongst his people and get to know them. Visit the schools, visit businesses, go fishing with them. The mandala around him is extremely tight, and there is no sense of invitation. If I were his secretary, I would be suggesting he might from time to time make himself available for personal audiences which people could sign up for, or group audiences. And I might also contact the various hostesses in the community, and suggest arranging dinner for a few people and his majesty. People love a king who goes amongst them. They take pleasure in him, and love him more, and are willing to do more to support his vision.</td> </tr><tr> <td>269.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>being genuine</td> </tr><tr> <td>270.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>seeing community as a charnel ground, and practicing with humbleness and longing as intention</td> </tr><tr> <td>271.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>It's not really an aspect of the community but more a relationship with my former MI which really inspired me to belong to the community. I also think that staffing programs has been a great help in being part of the community. We really do need to emphasize this participation.</td> </tr><tr> <td>272.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I enjoyed giving a presentation on Buddhism to a public interfaith meeting in our local community.</td> </tr><tr> <td>273.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My experience of Sangha at the [ ] has truly supported me in ways that are very deep and healing. I</td> </tr><tr> <td>274.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Sangha-my fellow co-workers were amazing and taught me so much. The daily practice was good for me too. Plus I had fun-we celebrated life.</td> </tr><tr> <td>275.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Shambhala Traiing weekends</td> </tr><tr> <td>276.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My Dorje Kasung squad has deepened and strengthened my relationship to others in my local Center as well as connecting with regional and international sangha members.</td> </tr><tr> <td>277.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>be part of the council and meet sangha members regularly and see 'models'</td> </tr><tr> <td>278.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>the friendships and companionships which evolve and grow thru working together as a sanga,(this survey was done as a group response of both men and women of our small sanga)</td> </tr><tr> <td>279.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Gesprache mit einzelnen Personen, die mir andere Sichtweisen zeigten</td> </tr><tr> <td>280.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Feasts, teaching and administration.</td> </tr><tr> <td>281.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The practice of Dorje Kasung and DK programs has shown me the brilliance of ordinary decency. Having friends in the community and meeting with them around a good dinner and talk about dharma has been one of the most enjoyable things in my life. it has kept me on the path. The tele-conferences by the Sakyong are extremely powerful in how it makes me connect with him as if I am almost in the same room with him.</td> </tr><tr> <td>282.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Governance has helped to direct my attention toward others.</td> </tr><tr> <td>283.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Practice of service</td> </tr><tr> <td>284.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>The deepening of friendships, through hard times and good. Overall kindness.</td> </tr><tr> <td>285.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Despite my rather negative experience of the Sangha initially (a bunch of alcoholics and psychotic people, seeing young new women as welcome prey) I managed to stick it through and kept returning to Shambhala over and over and over again. Experiencing another City's /country's sangha life was a major help in stepping beyond those initial negative impressions of the Shambhala community and opened up my vision. Very helpful! The other magical ingredient in building friendship with the sangha was to get to know it from the inside, i.e. becoming active, taking on responsibilities and looking at the backstage of the whole operation!</td> </tr><tr> <td>286.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>There is always food and conversation before, between, and after events allowing for people to get to know one another.</td> </tr><tr> <td>287.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>group practice!</td> </tr><tr> <td>288.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>living at a program/land center. it.s a pressure cooker!</td> </tr><tr> <td>289.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>I went through quite a reclusing period in the nineties (at which time I was a ngondro practisioner) but, as the years went by, and especially after becoming a sadhaka, I found that regular attendance at feast practice really helped me come out of my shell and get to know and appreciate my fellow sangha members, and helped me find ways of serving the community, in some small ways.</td> </tr><tr> <td>290.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Dealing with love and relationship. Relationship is the biggest challenge to Ego as nowhere else it is provocated so intimately. Relationship in it's 2 fundamental forms- family, love-relation- is the basic cell society is built on. Motherhood and being a wife shaped me much more than any Shambhala community could have. Nevertheless, the profit goes back to the Shambhala community as well as the world itself.</td> </tr><tr> <td>291.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Attending programs both local and at land centers have been the most benificial. Hearing the teaching in person from great teachers!</td> </tr><tr> <td>292.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Right from the beginning of the path, the example and compassionate support of experienced practitioners that have helped me open up, develop, and see a greater world. This is of course still true in spite of later difficulties.</td> </tr><tr> <td>293.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Having a meditation instructor.</td> </tr><tr> <td>294.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>None</td> </tr><tr> <td>295.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Teilmahne an der Ausbildung in Karuna training. Sehn personlich gesohnlet in der karunagemeinschaft eingetaucht im Buddha lehren. Maitri weiter praKtizieren konnen im Zentrum.</td> </tr><tr> <td>296.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>For a number on years I would let myself into the Center to do intensive practice. I have such gratitude that the Center existed and was open 7 days a week for me to practice in an intensive way.</td> </tr><tr> <td>297.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>My contact with the organization has been an unremitting obstacle to my spiritual development and I wish I could I chuck it.</td> </tr><tr> <td>298.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Acceptance without judegment and the awakened model of those in leadership</td> </tr><tr> <td>299.</td> <td style="white-space:nowrap;"></td> <td>Given a job for 7 years at Shambhala centre in 1990's</td> </tr></tbody></table></div> </body></html>