Assaya Sangha started as a conversation between five women who wanted to know what a Dharma community might look like if envisioned and run by women for women. We launched Assaya Sangha almost three years ago, the week before the state went into full lockdown due to the pandemic. Since that time, our sangha has grown in the following ways, thanks to the many dedicated hours of our volunteers, teachers, and a very supportive community.
- We formed the Governing Circle - a group of community volunteers overseeing day-to-day operations
- We formed the Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging circle (DIB) dedicated to forwarding our value for a welcoming, benevolent community.
- We’ve consistently provided daily meditations, weekly Dharma talks, guest teachers, and monthly community gatherings.
- We’ve partnered with Flipcause, a local grassroots organization which supports our website and fundraising efforts.
Perhaps most importantly, we’ve been a steady spiritual home to women through a time of great global challenge and grief. We have thrived during this time because of the tender hearts and collective wisdom that guides this community. We are so fortunate, and we are just getting started! Here is what we are planning for 2023:
- Increase our in-person practice opportunities and improve our audio/visual technology to better support those joining via Zoom.
- Develop a Harmony, Ethics, and Reconciliation council (HEAR) to keep our community and leadership relationships healthy.
- Establish the Regular Guest Teachers model, a new category of Dharma teachers that will allow up to build stronger relationships with a diversity of Dharma Teachers.
"The ache for home lives in all of us, the safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned." - Maya Angelou
