Photo Credit: Bill McDavid
Open Way Sangha
Open Way Sangha formed in 1989 to practice mindfulness and meditation in the tradition of Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Ven. Thich Nhat Hanh and the Tiep Hien Order which is translated in the West as The Order of Interbeing. The forms of the meditation practice mirrors that of the monasteries across the globe, so if you find yourself in Plum Village, France; or Deer Park Monastery, California; or Plum Village, Thailand; or any of the other global communities, you will feel comfortable with the way the practice is being led.
New people are always welcome and we are so happy to walk together with you on this transformative path. Each evening is a balance of meditation practice and Sangha practice. In this community “Sangha practice” means having opportunities to share with one another about our insights, our struggles, our joys, and how the practices are influencing our lives. All of the practices and the activities are there for your support. If a particular practice does not feel supportive to you, then there is no need to engage with that practice. The aim of the Sangha is to support transformation in each individual, in society, and in the world and we are grateful for your presence.
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.
Open Way Sangha Monthly Program
Below is the schedule for our monthly program. All times are MDT unless otherwise indicated.
1st Tuesday 7:00-9:00 pm - Dharma Talk by one of our Dharma Teachers or Practice Talk shared by a Sangha Member
2nd Tuesday 7:00-9:00 pm - Meditation, Sutra Service, and sharing.
3rd Tuesday 7:00-9:00 pm - Meditation, recitation of the Mindfulness Trainings, and sharing (5 Mindfulness Trainings on odd-numbered months; 14 Mindulness Trainings of the Order of Interbeing on even-numbered months)
4th Tuesday 7:00-9:00 pm - Meditation, Tea Ceremony, and sharing.
5th Tuesday 7:00-9:00 pm - Special Program offered by Practice Leaders
The Open Way Care-Taking Council (CTC) meets one evening per month and the Program Council meets one day per month. Please check with the Sangha for more information if you would like to attend or have questions. Questions about the Mindfulness Center or governance of the Sangha go to the CTC. For questions related specifically to Tuesday night programming, please direct them to the Program Council (a sub-committee of the CTC).
OPEN WAY MINDFULNESS CENTER
702 Brooks St.
Missoula, MT 59801
Phone: 406-549-9005