FAQ About Bodhi Home Groups
What’s a Sangha Circle like?
The Sangha Circle usually starts with a casual fellowship time for the first hour, sharing refreshments and just hanging out and catching up. After the fellowship time, the leader invites people to form a circle, and offers an opening prayer and a guided meditation. Then members go around the Circle and check in briefly, letting everyone know what's going on in their lives. After this the leader guides a discussion on the monthly topic, which usually corresponds to theme of monthly services at the Center. After the discussion, the leader closes the Circle with prayer. Some groups then continue fellowship time for those who like to stay a little later.
Who’s in the Sangha Circles?
Some of our Sangha Circles have a special focus- the members share a particular affinity, such as the Artists Sangha, the Men's Sangha, the Sisterhood Sangha, or the LGBTA Sanghas. Other groups have been neighborhood-based- there’s a Bodhi Sangha Circle in the western suburbs and another group in Evanston. Some groups are simply connected by people who know one another from the Center, usually from meeting in a class or workshop. Others have been formed from people who expressed interest in a Sangha Circle, and came to one of the Open Sangha Circle Events.
If I join a Sangha, are there always the same people in the Circle every month?
There’s a core group that remains the same, though visitors and new members are welcomed into the group from time to time.
Am I expected to attend my Sangha Circle every month?
To keep the group intimate and connected, most Sangha Circles have an agreement between members to attend regularly…it’s usually understood that a member will attend at least 9 out of the 12 monthly meetings.
What if my schedule doesn’t allow me to make an attendance commitment?
The Open Sangha Circle Events might be a wonderful way to meet people and get support for your spiritual practice, as well as make connections with others.
Are the Sangha Circles always at night?
No, some of our Circles meet on Saturday morning or afternoon, or Sunday afternoon.
Does my Sangha Circle always meet in the same home?
Most groups rotate their meetings between the homes of those who are willing to host, though several of the Circles meet in the same home each month.
Can I be in more than one Sangha Circle?
Yes, as long as you’re able to maintain consistent participation that’s in alignment with the group agreements for both Sangha Circles.
Can I bring a friend to my Sangha Circle?
We hope you will! Just let your Sangha Circle leader know you’d like to bring a friend. Because of space limitations, some groups like to let everyone know ahead of time if there’ll be a visitor to the Sangha.
Does the Sangha Circle Topic always correspond to the monthly themes at Bodhi?
Usually, but not always. Leaders tailor the discussion to fit the needs of the group. Most Sangha Circles have discussions that are based on the theme of the month, but some groups elect to do a book study or watch a film that is relevant to the spiritual support of the group. Whatever the specific focus of the discussion, the intention of the Circles is to share conversations that matter on topics that support the spiritual growth of their members.
What if I have a question that hasn’t been answered here?
The best place to have your question answered is sanghacentral@bodhispiritualcenter.org