Open Way Sangha, Inc. practices in the tradition of

Ven. Thích Nhất Hạnh

Gatha on Openness and Welcome*

We gather here to look deeply at life.
Everyone is welcome to practice here.
This is a place to express ourselves honestly and openly, without fear,
No matter our concerns or persuasions,
No matter our race, gender, or abilities,
No matter our community standing, history, or experiences.
We are grateful for each person.
May we see each other’s depth and wisdom clearly.

*written and approved by the Open Way Sangha Program Council 2023

_____________________________________

The principle Mindfulness Center programs (including Open Way Sangha-Missoula and Be Here Now Sangha) are meeting in-person. Open Way Sangha-Missoula is continuing to offer an online option. Please sign up for the weekly email update on the Open Way Sangha page for the Zoom links.

We are happily accepting assistance in maintaining the Mindfulness Center. Please contact openwaysangha@gmail.com if you would like to help.

_____________________________________

MONTANA OPEN WAY SANGHAS

Our Sanghas are rooted in the Plum Village tradition of Zen Master Ven. Thích Nhất Hạnh and consist of three sister groups in three towns in western Montana: Open Way Sangha in Missoula, Flowing Mountains Sangha in Helena, and Open Sky Sangha in Kalispell. Be Here Now Sangha in Missoula and Joining Rivers Sangha in Bozeman are close Dharma friends of Open Way Sangha, Inc. and are found under the Friends tab above.

MINDFULNESS CENTER

The Open Way Mindfulness Center in Missoula, MT is jointly owned by Open Way Sangha, Inc. and Open Way Sangha-Missoula and is operated by Open Way Sangha-Missoula. It hosts a variety of community classes and events. Please click on the Calendar tab for our full center schedule.

The Montana Open Way Sanghas are guided by the practice and cultivation of the Five Mindfulness Trainings:

The Five Mindfulness Trainings represent the Buddhist vision for a global spirituality and ethic. They are a concrete expression of the Buddha’s teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, the path of right understanding and true love, leading to healing, transformation, and happiness for ourselves and for the world. To practice the Five Mindfulness Trainings is to cultivate the insight of interbeing, or Right View, which can remove all discrimination, intolerance, anger, fear, and despair. If we live according to the Five Mindfulness Trainings, we are already on the path of a bodhisattva. Knowing we are on that path, we are not lost in confusion about our life in the present or in fears about the future.

To read the Five Mindfulness Trainings, please click here.