Practice Guidelines and Sangha Stages
| Observer | Sangha Member | Student | Formal Student | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Requirments for this Stage | Silent remote attendance only. | Active participant in Sangha sharing. Active participant in Sutra/Sutta Study questions, not answers. Daily 30 minute Supreme Bodhi meditation independently. |
Complete 5 Precepts Ceremony. Uphold requirements from the Sangha Member Stag. No other Sangha membership – dedication to The Order of the Supramundane Way Sangha, to focus on this practice. Extended absences from regular attendance must be arranged prior to absence, with teacher. |
Must uphold requirements from the Student Stage Meets weekly for 1 hour with teacher, remotely or in person. Daily 30 minute Supreme Bodhi meditation independently. |
| Goals to Work Toward in this Stage | Increase your understanding of the Zendo and its Sangha. Practice with the Sangha. No expectation for participation. No teaching. |
Can attend in person, pending background check. Mutual support of Sangha members, through the Sangha Sharing portion of the weekly service. Increase your understanding of the Zendo and it’s Sangha. Practice with others. |
Deep, life changing goal assessment, achievement and guidance from an Ordained Teacher of The Order. Potential for the foundational understanding of how to apply Samadhi. Regularly contributes to Sangha Sharing portion of the weekly service. Identify and work on resolving the 5 aggregates. |
Active participant in Sutra/Sutta Study questions, AND can provide basic answers to general questions. 5 consecutive months as Chant Master for the weekly Sunday Buddhist Liturgical Service. |
| Prerequisites for the next stage | Demonstrate persistent interest in becoming a Sangha member. 2-month silent as an observer in remote virtual attendance. remote regular attendance. Submit request form to proceed to the next level. |
Must meet requirements and goals for Sangha Member. Must be accepted by a senior teacher as a student. |
Formally request training from a teacher with intentions to Ordain into the Order. | 2 years minimum from the date of 5 Percepts Ceremony. Next stage is Ordination in The Order. |