(Photo above by Aline Viana / Pexels)
Buddhist discussion meetings are judgment-free spaces where all are welcome. Neighborhood discussion meetings are unique to the SGI, the Buddhist community that Buddhability is connected to.
Instead of large gatherings where only one-way communication is possible, discussion meetings are small and rooted in dialogue with fellow Buddhists. We gather in our local neighborhoods, free of any formalities, and discuss Buddhism as equals.
According to Laurie Santos, Yale Psychology professor and host of the podcast The Happiness Lab, one common trait of happy, fulfilled people is they typically belong to some type of supportive community that’s grounded in a rich set of beliefs.
A Supportive Community Is Everything
Such a gathering has been part of Buddhism since the beginning, when Shakyamuni, the historical Buddha, formed the sangha or Buddhist community. Shakyamuni was once asked by a disciple named Ananda:
“It seems to me that by having good friends and advancing together with them, one has already halfway attained the Buddha way. Is this way of thinking correct?” Shakyamuni replied: “Ananda, this way of thinking is not correct. Having good friends and advancing together with them is not half the Buddha way but all the Buddha way.”
The Wisdom for Creating Happiness and Peace, part 3, revised edition, p. 106
It’s hard to become a great basketball player by just practicing by ourselves. It’s hard to become a designer without sharing our work with others. Likewise, it’s difficult to practice Buddhism on our own. But having a group of fellow Buddhists who are on the journey with us helps us grow and feel connected.
For example, watching a fellow Buddhist break through a challenge can inspire us to transform something deep within our lives. On the other hand, seeing someone around us suffering can motivate us to achieve something that will inspire them. Having a supportive Buddhist community strengthens our “why” for becoming happy and victorious.
Mutual development and true Buddhist practice lie in joining together with many different kinds of individuals, and sharing various challenges and efforts with them as we encourage one another to advance and grow together. This is the real way to develop ourselves as human beings, and it is also true freedom.
- Daisaku Ikeda
Being part of such a community doesn’t mean we have to compromise our individuality. In fact, being part of a Buddhist community means we are accepted as we are. And it’s what makes us unique that is our greatest contribution to others.
Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, an educator and Nichiren Buddhist, founded the Soka Gakkai in 1930 and revived the idea of a Buddhist sangha in the form of discussion meetings. He envisioned these meetings as Buddhist laboratories, where people would come together and share their real experiences of using Buddhism to transform their lives. The SGI is made up of thousands of such neighborhood based discussion groups all across the United States and all around the world.
Building new connections with people can be nerve-racking sometimes. It’s easy to wonder what other people will think about us or whether we will fit in? But the reality is, we need other people in our lives to keep going so having the courage to reach out to attend our first meeting is a big step. All that is required when you attend is an open mind. Feel free to ask questions or not. Share what you are looking to get from a Buddhist practice or not. If you would like to simply listen to each person’s perspectives and experiences, that’s great too! The SGI is not about formality or rituals.
After a hectic work week or days of trying to figure out how to move forward, having a space to go to and be supported is everything. When you want to just give up, nothing is better than being reminded of how much potential and value you have (regardless of how you feel about yourself at the moment).
Connect to a Buddhability Community Near You
Buddhability is a real community, where Buddhists gather in their local neighborhoods. It’s a space with no formality or judgment. We share stories of applying Buddhist teachings to our real lives and discuss Buddhist concepts. It’s also a place where you can ask questions, share your impressions or just simply listen and soak it in.
If you’d like to check out a local Buddhist meeting, email us! And we’ll let you know about gatherings in your area.