The sangha board of directors met on retreat a few weeks ago to discuss future possibilities for the sangha. Following that, the board held a special meeting to dive deeper into the question of how we can best serve the stated mission of the sangha which is to promote the study and practice of Buddhism in San Luis Obispo County. We found at both sessions that there was a great deal to discuss and many perspectives to take into account. We are currently arranging another special meeting to try and come to some resolution about our priorities and how to implement them. Some of the questions that we are addressing are: how to best use the money that we collect to support our mission, how to most effectively promote our organization, should we emphasize growing the sangha in terms of numbers of active participants or growing it in terms of increasing the depth and quality of the practice of the existing participants.

As we have been taught, every encounter that we have offers another opportunity for us to practice. Group encounters, of course, offer many opportunities for practice. We had some disagreements, occasional tension, and, in the end a great deal of acknowledgement and gratitude. It was clear to me that every one of those at the meeting was sincere in their appreciation for what a Buddhist practice can do to enhance one's life. It was also clear to me that everyone cared deeply about having the sangha be a powerful resource for care and compassion in our greater community. I think that we are lucky to have people such as these leading our sangha.

We are also looking at possible ways to be more visible to the greater San Luis Obispo County by going out into the community rather than just inviting them to our venues. As always, we welcome feedback or suggestions from any sangha members. It is important that our vision stay well connected to, and fueled by, the basic concerns and values of everyone in our community.

We will again be holding an All-Sanghas Picnic, this year on Aug. 22. All of the various Buddhist groups in the area are being invited to join us. Check our new special events listing for details.

We are looking forward to hosting some great teachers later in the year. Ron Sharrin (June 19) and Jason Siff (September 1-5) of the Skillful Meditation Project will be leading retreats at Crow's End. Wes Nisker will be returning for an evening of dharma and comedy followed by a daylong retreat in October and John Travis of Spirit Rock has been confirmed for January of next year. Our other offerings will be announced as their implementation gets squared away.

May all beings be happy

May all beings be healthy

May all beings be safe

May all beings be free