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Newcomer Information

Dana
Dana is a Pali word meaning generosity. It is an important Buddhist tradition that the teachings are given freely because they are considered priceless. Interviews are also given on a dana basis, in the same spirit of generosity. A monetary offering is one way you can practice dana and experience the positive feelings that arise from it. Dana is not a payment for goods or services rendered; it is given from the heart. Your generosity is a gift that supports not only the teachers, but the Sangha and the larger Dharma community, and your own practice. The Marin Sangha maintains separate dana baskets for the teacher, the space, and the monthly small group interviews.

Metta
These are the metta phrases with which we close our second sitting each week. Metta means unconditional loving kindness. It is cultivated and practiced as one of the four sublime states known as brahma-viharas, and is also one of the ten paramitas, or perfections of character.

Group Interviews
Once a month Phillip holds a group interview for 4-5 students It is an opportunity to ask questions and discuss your practice. Dates and times are announced at Sangha and sign up is done at that time.

Sangha Daylongs
Once or twice a year, Phillip teaches a daylong retreat exclusively for members of the Sangha. These are offered at an off-site location for a modest fee to cover expenses. However, no one is turned away for lack of funds. Announcements will be made in the Sangha, via email, and on www.marinsangha.org.

Introductory Meditation Course
This free five-week introductory course is offered two or three times a year to Marin Sangha members and covers both core Buddhist teachings and the basics of Buddhist meditation. It is intended both for beginners with no residential retreat experience who wish to get some foundational training in the core principles of the Dharma, and for those with some retreat experience who want a refresher or small-group setting in which to ask questions. For more information on our Intro Meditation Course, please click here.

Vipassana basics courses are also offered periodically at Spirit Rock Meditation Center in Woodacre. Information is available at: www.spiritrock.org.

Reading Study Group
This informal group meets on Sunday afternoons at 4:30pm before class at an outside location. Drop-ins are most welcome. Readers select a book and read selected sections during the week for discussion on Sundays. This is a wonderful way to meet other Sangha members and dharma friends, and to enrich your practice. Book title, chapter, and location of the next meeting are announced at the end of the Sangha.

Service Opportunities
It may seem effortless, but a substantial amount of devoted labor goes into ensuring that each class proceeds smoothly. Sangha members are encouraged to volunteer to help set up before class and clean up afterwards. You may help on a regular or occasional basis. Jobs include dust-mopping the floor, folding up the table, setting out chairs and blankets, and more. This is another way to practice dana, and to serve and participate in the Sangha. Please see Brooke or Doug to find out how you help. (And if you don't know who they are, please ask someone to point them out.)

Tea and Cookies
Every week, someone brings a beverage and snack to share with the group after class. The Tea and Cookie Deva makes an announcement at the end of Sangha, seeking a volunteer for the following week. This job requires taking the tea carafe and container of supplies home until the next week.

Dinner Group
An ever-changing contingent of Sangha members goes out for dinner after class. Anyone with an appetite for food and the company of dharma friends is welcome. If you are interested, please ask the newcomer greeters, at the Sangha, for more information.