A day with the Sanga
(or what to expect at the HaiAn Pagoda)

When I went to my first meeting with the sangha at Hai An Pagoda I really had no idea what to expect. This did cause me a little bit of feat and uncertainty, which quickly disapated. By showing you what to expect if you decide to come by I hope you will be more at ease.

There is no membership required, no forms to fill out, introductions to be made, or anything of the sort. In fact the first time I went I just dropped right into the mix and no one seemed to even notice. Although anyone I asked a question of was incredibly friendly, most patient and very helpful.

Attire: Comfortable loose fitting clothing is the best choice. You do not need to dress to impress anyone. Most members wear shorts or sweatpants. Footwear does not matter since you will be taking it off before entering the temple.

Bowing: Bowing is done as a sign of respect and also in leu of handshakes in some instances. Bowing is performed by placing your palms together, fingers up at about chest height and bowing from the hips.

When arriving...

Parking is either on street or behind the building. You can enter either through the back door, or the front depending on where you park... both go to the same place. Please wipe your feet before entering the building. From where enter the building, if you turn you will be facing the temple. You may want to leave your cell phone and pager in your car... you will not be needing them.

Etiquette...

When entering the temple itself it is required to remove your shoes. Socks are okay. There is a series of shelves for you to leave you footwear, keys, cell phone, beeper etc. Please make sure anything that can make noise is turned off! Even a vibrating cell phone or pager on hard wood can make a lot of noise!

After removing your shoes and walking onto the carpet it is required to bow to the statues of the Buddha as a sign of respect for his accomplishments and in thanks for the teachings he brought.

Typically members of the sanga will have already put out a circle of cushions to sit on. You can sit almost anywhere. The cushions closest to the Buddha statues is reserved for the abbot, while the cushions on each side are used by member of the sanga that will be leading the ceremonies.

The cushions are sat upon. The purpose is to raise your body so your legs can comfortably fold in front of you. Depending on your personal preference you may require two or three pillows to elevate yourself. If you require an extra cushion or two there is a closet to the left side of the Buddha statues.

While waiting, you can relax, read the materials in the blue folder in front of you, or have quiet conversation with other members. The blue folder contains documents of all the prayers and readings that take place.

Opening ceremony...

1. Introduction:
2. Opening prayer:
3. Incense offering: The incense offering is made to the Buddas and Bodhisavattas throughout time who have given and taught the teachings of Buddha to all. It entails lighting incense, and a small prayer for them. The incense it lit and the prayer led by one of the leaders of the sanga.
4. Heart of Prajnaparamita: Following the reading of the Heart Sutra given to us by Avalokiteshvara, the bodhisattva of compassion. It is read by the sanga syllable by syllable.

Meditation...

1. Prostrations [optional]: Next the sanga performs thirty prostrations. The entails going from a standing position to touching your head to the carpet. The point of this is two fold: It awakens the body for meditation, and it cultures humility in our attitudes. The prostrations are optional, and some members choose to do them from a kneeling position. At first it can lead to sore legs the next day.
2. Chanting: Next is the chanting of "OM MANI PAD ME HUM" several times. Like the sylabatic reading the Heart Sutra, this helps your mind to become focused and ready for meditation.
3. Sitting meditation:
4. Walking meditation:

Dharma talk...

1. Tea ceremony:
2. Dharma talk:This entails a discussion about a given topic. Each week someone has signed up to lead the discussion. You don't have to say anything unless you have something to say.

Closing ceremony...

1. Closing prayer:

After...

Generally not much happens after. Feel free to chat with everyone or ask any questions you might have. Getting back on the highway is a bit tricky so that will give you a reason to start talking to other members.