Episode 29

E28 - One Body Sangha - Cultivating Connection and Awakening Online

Embracing Mindfulness Amidst Chaos: Paul notes the "crazy" world, and Scott highlights how chaos increases his desire for internal calm through Zen, meditation, and mindfulness.
Podcast Format Changes & Paul's Business: Scott announces shorter episodes and a new focus on Paul's business, Zen at Work (zenetwork.org), praising Paul's ability to make Zen and Buddhism relatable and applicable to modern life through his newsletters. Paul announces an expanded platform for his programs and content rolling out in the next few weeks.
Introduction to "One Body Sangha": The conversation shifts to "One Body Sangha" (onebodysangha.org), a new online initiative from Paul, highlighted in his recent newsletter.
The Importance of Community (Sangha): Paul explains that Buddhist and Zen practices must be done in community (Sangha), which is considered the most precious of the "three treasures" (Buddha, Dharma, Sangha). He notes Zen's emphasis on sitting together and that solitary meditation is not highly valued for its own sake; the purpose is to live fully in the world with others.
Addressing Client Needs: Paul created One Body Sangha to serve Zen at Work clients and others who seek applied Buddhism and a supportive community but not necessarily formal Zen study. Scott, as an exception, sought formal dharma study through Paul's coaching.
Concept & Structure of One Body Sangha: This online-first community supports home practice and online connection, unlike place-based centers. It's an experiment launched a few weeks prior to the recording, offering basic meditation and Zen/Buddhist teachings, and numerous daily practice opportunities. Everything on the platform is free or for donation.
Evolution of Sangha & Thich Nhat Hanh's Vision: Paul discusses how Sangha structures have evolved since the Buddha's time. He quotes Thich Nhat Hanh: "the Buddha of the future...is not going to be a person, it's going to be a community".
Zen's Golden Age Amidst Chaos: Paul connects the current global chaos to Zen's "golden age" (600-900 AD in China), which was also a period of extreme volatility, emphasizing the need for communities of care, practice, wisdom, and compassion
One Body Sangha Offerings: The platform offers daily meditation retreats, practice discussions, dharma dialogues, classes, workshops, self-paced courses, Sangha gatherings, practice groups, and a resource library. Offerings are simple, non-overwhelming, and available in short sessions throughout the day for different time zones. It includes two monthly online interactive sessions (one with practice leaders, one with Paul for Q&A).
Concluding Thoughts & Call to Action: Paul expresses excitement about the potential in current times to discard old scripts and connect based on shared interests. Scott notes how practice helps deal with impermanence and leads to happiness. They encourage listeners to visit Paul's newsletter at zenatwork.substack.com.