| OUR TEACHERS |
| WEEKLY SCHEDULE & SERVICES |
| CONTACT / DIRECTIONS |
Whether seen or unseen, with blood relatives or not
society is created within relationships
as we all become intimately intertwined.
This is our existence.
--Ven. Beop Jeong Sunim
Why One Sangha?
Still Point Zen Buddhist Temple was founded on the premise that to spread peace, compassion, and wisdom in the world, we must continually train ourselves to embody these qualities. The non-dual wisdom of Buddhism does not recognize a separation between "means" and "ends." Too often our actions in the world stem from certain beliefs or ideologies, but this necessarily means that we're then forced to fit the world into those beliefs and ideologies rather than seeing the world for what it is. Zen practice reverses this dynamic by asking us to participate in the world as it is, to directly experience it, and out of the clarity and understanding that arise, to then act.
Through practice – through an ever-increasing willingness to open up to what is – we uncover the wisdom, compassion, and peace that have always been our true dwelling place. As we train in accessing these qualities, faith grows: faith in ourselves and in the capacity for all beings to awaken. This faith, which is not fear or anger or greed, is the authentic gate through which our efforts begin to pass. In this way, true social transformation becomes possible.
What's One Sangha?
Grounded in daily, traditional Zen practices and compassionate activity as form and function of our everyday lives, Still Point's One Sangha Training Program is a three-, six-, or n
ine-month intensive practice program for anyone wishing to deepen her or his spiritual practice right inside the ten thousand joys and sorrows of our often wonderfully chaotic lives.The first three months lay a foundation of strong daily practice. This practice continues throughout the program, with the additonal study of basic Buddhist teachings in months four through six, and the study of Buddhist applications to social activism in the final three months. The program will accept new participants in October, January, and April of each year.
Once a month, One Sangha participants all meet together with Still Point's seminary students to chant and ask Dharma teachers any questions that may have arisen in their practice.
Three hours of work-practice at Still Point follows these meetings for the first six months. During months seven through nine, however, participants will be asked to begin volunteering their efforts for any three hours every month in the service of their choice. Plant community gardens, tutor children, run for public office: it's up to you.
Included in One Sangha’s training fees are Still Point member sittings with formal interviews, half-day retreats, and all required texts.
Every July at Still Point, there is a closing ceremony to recognize and honor anyone who has completed nine months of training sometime during the previous temple year. (Following the ceremony, participants may elect further training, even periodically, in the One Sangha Training Program.)
For further information, please Email the Guiding Teacher or call 313-831-1005.
