About Us
Black Mountain Sangha was formed in 2011 to meet the needs of local San Diego Mindfulness students for community practice, deepening Dharma study, and further learning opportunities. We practice in the Vipassana/Insight Meditation tradition, but are heavily informed by the teachings of Thich Nhat Hahn. We are an established community of practitioners who have had various mindfulness classes and training prior to joining our Sangha. Black Mountain Sangha is an ideal post-MBSR support for continued mindfulness practice and deepening study of the Dharma. We are a membership based Sangha rather than a “drop-in” sitting group. Part of our commitment, as members, involves regular attendance, “more often than not.” We have found that this practice supports our shared wisdom and growth in the Dharma, and sustains our tight-knit practice community.
How We Practice
Our community meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. We usually sit in silence for 45 minutes and practice mindful sharing and mindful listening afterwards. Practice is conducted in noble silence from the sound of the first bell until the sound of three final bells. Our guiding teacher, Robin Stutzman, may guide our practice on a specific topic chosen by our Neta (leadership) circle. About once every three months we may schedule a weekend practice outdoors. We might enjoy a delightful easy mindful walk in nature followed by a sitting meditation and dharma sharing. From time to time, a senior member may facilitate a book club on a particular subject such as the Dharma of death and dying. We share an annual potluck, held in January, in honor of beginning again.
Speaking from the Heart
Our shared practice time in sangha gatherings always includes a formal practice of speaking and listening from the heart. Each person shares their practice experience, on the cushion or in daily life, using techniques inspired by Gregory Kramer’s Insight Dialogue. We ‘pause,’ ‘relax,’ and ‘open,’ to deepen awareness of our lived experience as we share. Listeners also remain in mindful presence, practicing in the same way. This practice is unique to most sangha practice sessions, and we consider it a core value. It strengthens our mindful speaking and listening in daily life, enhancing all of our relationships. Visitors may choose to pass on this experience, if preferred, during the round-robin practice that occurs after our sitting meditation. Or, they may find themselves naturally drawn in to the tenderness of the moment.