A Thriving Sangha

[Dharmavidya]

Here in Belgium our Bodhi Retreat 2012 has just ended. It has been a wonderful event and especially good to know that it was also happening in UK, Canada and Hawaii. In all these places there were admissions, ordinations or other advancements. We, the Amida Order, have gone through a lot together over the years and each time there is another step in our development we see some people leave and more join. This time has been no exception. Over the past year we have seen the emergence of ITZI, changes in the role of Sukhavati in London, and developments in the running of Amida Trust. I myself have moved to Belgium and been finding new upaya for spreading the Dharma to new groups in new ways.

Not everybody has stayed with us in these transitions, but when we look at the overall picture we see that where the Order was a couple of dozen people a year ago it is now about 30 and where it was originally the case that all order members were in the UK and until recently the majority were, now there are more spread around the world in other countries than in the country of origin and, in fact, about a third of the Order now live outside of Europe. Here in Benelux, there are now 7 order members living within 3 hours travel of Zenshin-in. All of this is very heartening.

Not only are we seeing a growth in numbers, we are also seeing a wonderful quality of relationship. Here on our retreat there was much sharing, healing and growing going on. This is not a practice in which we just go through the motions - it is a way in which important transformation occurs in the lives of individuals and in the relationships that they have with one another. Some mistakenly think that other power will lead to people doing nothing, but quite the contrary is the case. If I am accepted as I am then the full responsibility for my life comes home to me.

I am also deeply satisfied that this is a sangha in which I, as the teacher, can also be a human being and meet other members on a footing of shared humanity, giving and receiving feedback and sharing our experience of the life of faith together. The Pureland way is perhaps not for everybody, not everyone has that "karmic affinity with Amitabha Buddha", but for those who do, this is a wonderful community to be part of and to feel loved by. Namo Amida Bu. Much gratitude.

[Katrien Sercu]

YES! Namo Amida Bu

[Susthama]

There is definitely something at work here - I don't know what Amida has in store for us next but whatever is waiting for us around the corner we can be sure that the nembutsu will see us through. Namo Amida Bu

[Lut Moerman]

I was on the bodhi-retreat in Belgium the last 2 days and indeed it was a wonderful experience. We had such full-hearted sharings, such beautifull practice, such inspiring Dharma-talks. I'm very very grateful. thanks to everyone who made this possible, thanks to our teacher, thanks to the great Amida-sangha, thanks to Amida and the other precious teachers of all ages. Namo Amida Bu

[Satyavani Robyn]

Namo Amida Bu! It was so wonderful to bring our Malvern sangha to meet the rest of the family. Still bombu, and still full of love. 

[Sahishnu Joy Marston]

There is harmony in the community and growing pains. I am so grateful to be a member and for Amidas love and vow. Namo Amida.