Welcome Email

Please read below for the Welcome Email that was sent out ahead of the first meeting

Dear Weaving the Paramitas participants,

We are touched and energized by the amazing response to this offering.

Over 150 people from around the globe have registered — a testament to the deep, collective longing to study and practice together across borders and time zones. In this time of great uncertainty and possibility, your presence matters.

What Is Mahasangha?

This course is a collaborative offering from four sanghas in the lineage of Roshi Flint Sparks. What began as a friendship and curiosity between sanghas is now evolving into a collective field of awakening that transcends location and includes all of you. The teaching team participating in this initial offering are from:

• Appamada – Austin, Texas, USA

• Awakening Together – Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

• Open Door Zen – Madison, Wisconsin, USA

• Just This – Lancaster and Sheffield, United Kingdom

Each community is rooted in Soto Zen and committed to embodied practice, relational dharma, and compassionate living.

Meet the Teaching Team

Your facilitators for this journey, guided by Flint Sparks, are:

Becky Hiller, Shelley Winton, Josh Gifford, Ryan Van Wyk, Trudy Johnston, and Jessica Steinbomer

Each of us brings a deep commitment to embodied inquiry, shared learning, and spacious support as we walk the path of the Bodhisattva together.

Course Flow & What to Expect

Over eight sessions, we’ll explore the Paramitas — six powerful qualities of an awakened life:

Generosity, Ethical Conduct, Patience, Energy, Stillness, and Wisdom.

We will gather monthly online, and each session will include:

• A brief sit and dharma teaching

• Embodiment and reflection practices

• Opportunities to ask questions and interact with the material and one another

 The teaching portion of the sessions will be recorded, and each month you’ll receive:

• A link to the video recording

• A written summary including practices, prompts, and resources

• Additional readings and materials for deeper exploration

• Note: breakout rooms and personal discussions will not be recorded, as your privacy is deeply respected.

You’ll also be invited to join a Paramita Pod, a small practice group where you can reflect on the teachings in more intimate, supportive ways. Depending on your group's preference, these pods may meet asynchronously or via Zoom.

Creating a Shared Practice Space

When we come together, we create a virtual zendo — a sacred space that holds our shared intention. You’re invited to:

• Light a candle, incense, or place a flower or Buddha statue nearby

• Keep your camera on if possible — your presence is felt and appreciated

• Bring curiosity, openness, and respect to each moment

Let each meeting be an opportunity to ask:

How am I experiencing this? How might I lean into the paramitas to support myself and others?

Zoom Link & Schedule

 Zoom Link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82539844519?pwd=xCG2s5xmxfRvfSPaO7uJxXNrqkfNDX.1

 All sessions meet 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. CDT

Course Dates:

• June 21 – Introduction to the Paramitas

• July 19 – Generosity

• August 16 – Ethical Conduct

• September 20 – Patience

• October 11 – Energy / Wholehearted Effort

• November 15 – Stillness (Meditation)

• December 13 – Wisdom

• January 3 – Integration & Closing

Invitation

In a large group, it can be easy to imagine that you’re not seen.

You are. And your presence matters.

Let’s welcome this living experiment of Mahasangha with generosity, skillful action, patience, energy, stillness, and wisdom — together.

We’re so glad you’re here.

With deep respect,

The Teaching Team

Becky, Jessica, Josh, Ryan, Trudy & Shelley