The Sangha jewel is the third of the Three Treasures, along with Buddha and Dharma, that functions to support awakening altogether to the richness of life on this particular path. We need each other, we sit zazen together, we maintain the building and grounds, work together to offer a full and rounded schedule of opportunities for practice. At SJZC we celebrate this and emphasize how to recognize the community as a precious jewel. Each of us embodies this collective vow. Each of us adds our practice, our energy and particular gifts in very practical ways.
Serving the sangha by attending to tasks, large and small, is part of a complete practice. We develop keen mindfulness at the Center during our service work (samu), and this tends to support a habit of valuing all of our tasks, whether we’re at SJZC or home or work or in our neighborhood.
Many of you are already maintaining the altars, the flowers, the garden, program planning, fundraising, housekeeping, IT, sweeping the walkways – there’s a long list. If you haven’t signed up for something already you can do so by letting our shuso, Zen’etsu, know of your interest. They can get you connected to a job that fits your availability. The sangha benefits from everyone pitching in and over time learning what is involved in offering this precious practice to those coming along.