What Is Sangha?

A community that gathers with a shared enthusiasm to bring the Buddha's teachings to life is called a sangha, a Sanskrit term meaning "those who delight in virtue." Sangha is the third of the Three Jewels, along with the Buddha and the Dharma, and embodies the teachings and intentions of the Buddha and all those who have come before.

Becoming a Member

Membership in the sangha reflects a desire, interest, and willingness to participate in what we do. Becoming a member of our community is not exclusive. Many BCSS members are also members of other spiritual communities.

Every six months, or whenever there is a need, we hold an Entering the Sangha ceremony for anyone who would like to join the community officially.

We invite you to formally become a member of the community if:

  1. You're interested in exploring the teachings, putting them into practice in your daily life, and taking an active part, as you're able, in the various activities of the sangha.

  2. You want to make a pledge of financial support. This is commonly done through an annual or monthly donation of any amount.

  3. You can attend the "Entering the Sangha" ceremony, virtually or in person.

Make a Donation

Entering the Sangha Ceremony

"In the presence of the Buddha, who lights the way for all who wander
Upholding the Dharma, the teachings that liberate all who listen
We wholeheartedly enter this Sangha, a community of those who delight in virtue

From this day onward, we strive to tame our fickle minds,
Propagating all that is wholesome,
And leaving behind that which causes harm
We vow to always care for those we meet, whether friend or foe,
greeting them with kindness and joy
For this is our family, who is always in our hearts

With courage and delight, together we travel this path to freedom
Awakening from darkness, we discover the treasury of mind
Radiant, compassionate wisdom is here for us to nourish
This is what awaits us, this is who we have always been."

Entering the Sangha Ceremony, Tim Olmsted

What Does Sangha Mean to You?

  • “Membership in Sangha is a point on one’s path. It’s like taking refuge in the relative world Sangha.”

  • “As I continue to attend Zoom Sangha, I feel more connected to Tim and my fellow Sangha sisters and brothers. I come Monday nights to learn and grow, as Tim says all together.”

  • "What I get out of Sangha is the unrelenting honesty we have for each other. For the sake of not helping us feed our own neuroses. I didn't have any logistical ideas about deepening our connection, but my experience with Sangha is that whether I'm aware of it or not, separation is something I make up. Before Sangha, during Sangha, and after - you're still with me. So that's a connection...If awareness and love are there, Sangha is there."

  • “Becoming a member of Sangha is a little refuge. It’s a personal, open-heart connection to the idea of community.”

  • “It means being with Tim and all the open-hearted and open-minded people who find him and all that unfolds along the way.”

  • “If someone would like to become a member of a gathering of others as an embrace of the breadth of the ornament of generosity, then joining a Sangha is a significant point on the path.”

  • “Becoming a member of the Buddhist Center is a little like pondering personal aspirations. It’s sort of like choosing to join a Sangha as a chance to see what kind of friend, supporter, sharer, and helper I can be within a group setting.”

  • “The Buddhist Center welcomes everyone to be a member of Sangha. The teachings are given whole-heartedly to whoever shows up.”

  • “I guess for me, joining the Sangha is at a basic level wanting to see more of who I really am, and a practice of noticing all the ways I project what I’m not onto others. I need a lot of help and will commit to recurring donations to assure teachings and this Sangha continue.”

  • “It means being a part of a like-minded group of people. The teachings from Tim and the small group discussion educate me and feed my soul.”

  • “The meaning of membership is a personal fulfillment created by each person who joins.”

  • “I again and again feel the message that all are welcome here no matter where they are on the path. I want to be part of this.”

  • “I want to nurture an open heart and mind. I want to do this with others. I became a member to help grow this in me.”

  • “Membership to BCSS is a personal, heart connection to the teachings through Tim and everyone who shows up on Monday nights.”

  • “The Sangha is maybe the most important dharma. It means everything to me.”

  • “Becoming a member of Sangha means committing to remain an active part of this community of dharma students, pledging to get to know and support them as I am able, and asking for and accepting their help in following the path. Just like me….”

  • “Joining the Sangha was a way of strengthening my practice; committing to the profound teachings, and deepening my connection with others on the path! It continues to be an opportunity to embody the 3 jewels! I love supporting a community that holds the space for us all to learn and grow together.”

  • “I feel it’s home for my heart.”

  • “Being a member of the Buddhist Center of Steamboat Springs means to me that I am offered an opportunity to receive teachings from teachers steeped in an ancient wisdom tradition, tame my mind, become a part of something bigger than me which allows me to help others to grow and attain some measure of sanity, have a spiritual home, bear witness to the lives of my Sangha brothers and sisters within the context of a sacred outlook, be witnessed in turn, practice in community, have a generous, loving source available to which to direct life, path or practice questions, and be held tenderly.”

Thoughts on Community

Listen to Tim Olmsted's talk on Sangha.

Tim Olmsted's "Thoughts on Community"

Questions About Membership?

Feel free to talk with any Council Member about membership.

If you have questions or are ready to join, contact Susan at membership@steamboatbuddhistcenter.org.

Contact the Membership Coordinator