What is a Sangha?

omPronounced “song-a” (with a hard g), it’s a Sanskrit word in the Buddhist tradition referring to a spiritual community, or a community of friends who pray for one another. Sanghas are self-created and self-sustaining groups comprised of about four to ten people. There is synergy of energy, commitment and encouragement that participants bring to their Sanghas. They are like-minded, positive, proactive people who want to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others through the power of prayer. They listen and share with compassion to one another and act as catalysts for growth. Although similar to Mastermind Groups, Sanghas are deeply rooted in Spirit, recognizing the power of praying for one another.

Napoleon Hill wrote in his classic book in the 1900’s, Think and Grow Rich, “No two minds ever come together without thereby creating a third, invisible, intangible force which may be likened to a third mind.” Or, as the Master Jesus said, “If two of you agree concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for you… for where two or three are gathered… I am there in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:18-20).

The intentions for CSL Sanghas are:

  • To create deep personal connections as our community grows
  • To actively and genuinely care for and about one another
  • To share meaningful conversations that matter
  • To demonstrate the power of praying for one another
  • For members lives to thrive!

Sanghas work because committed community works, and because prayer works. And group prayer is the most powerful tool of all.

How Are They Formed?

Invite members individually or put the word out that you’d like to start a group. You can meet in person, on the telephone, Skype, or via online message boards. For those groups that meet in person or on the phone, typically a once-a-month meeting is scheduled.

Because of the group nature, a commitment is required. Look for positive, highly-committed people who are willing to ask for–and give—emotional and spiritual support.

Before agreeing to let any new applicants into your group, it’s important to screen them to make sure they’ll fit into the existing group and that their commitment level is high. Be sure they are willing to commit their time and energy and can work effectively in a group. Only allow new members into the group with the unanimous consent of everyone in the group.

What Are Guidelines for the Meetings?

  • Make agreements about your intentions, assuring that you are all on the same page as to what you’re there to do.
  • Decide how often you’ll meet, where and how long.
  • Each member should honor and hold sacred what is shared. Confidentiality is fully expected.
  • While ideas may be exchanged and explored, it is no one’s responsibility to “fix” another—giving advice is discouraged.
  • Make time agreements so everyone gets to share equally.
  • Don’t interrupt when someone is sharing—allow them to say what they need to say.
  • Keep a journal of members’ prayer requests; write them down as they are stated.

Suggested Format

  • Begin with an opening prayer, or invocation. It can be a simple breathing meditation, blessing each participant and the intention of the group.
  • Each session may then move into members sharing what has happened since the last meeting.
  • You may develop your own format, or you can use this 7-step format that is (loosely) based on the Mastermind Group:
  • Each person could take a turn reading a step out loud.

1. I BELIEVE. I know that there is a power for good in the Universe greater than I am and I can use it. I am one with this Power.

2. I AM READY TO BE CHANGED. I realize that erroneous self-defeating thinking is the cause of my problems, unhappiness and fears. I am ready to have my false beliefs and attitudes changed so my life can be transformed.

3. I DECIDE TO BE CHANGED. I make a decision to surrender my will and my life to the Life of God. I ask to be I ask to be changed at depth.

4. I FORGIVE. I forgive myself for anything and everything I may have done to hurt myself or another. I also forgive anyone and everyone who may have harmed me in any way, real or imagined.

5. I ASK. I make known my specific requests, asking my partners’ support in knowing that the Mind of God is fulfilling my needs. [It is at this point that members take turns in making a prayer request from the group. They may use the group as a “sounding board” to gain clarity as to what they want so their request is clear and definite. The requests are recorded by one another in personal journals.]

[After everyone has made his/her request…]
6. I GIVE THANKS. I give thanks that the Mind of God is responding to my prayer and I am grateful that my request is fulfilled now. There is no private good—what is good for one, is good for all.

7. I DEDICATE MY LIFE. I now have a covenant in which it is agreed that the Infinite Power of God is supplying me with an abundance of all things necessary to live a happy, healthy and holy life. I dedicate myself to be of maximum service to God and those around me; to live in a manner that sets the highest example for others to follow; and to remain responsive to God’s guidance. I go forth with a spirit of enthusiasm, excitement, and expectancy. I am at peace.

Concluding

End each meeting with a closing prayer or benediction which can be a simple prayer of gratitude and blessing.

Make sure everyone has exchanged names and contact information. Each person is in agreement to pray for one another daily.

Sanghas work because committed community works, and because prayer works. And group prayer is the most powerful tool of all.

Anyone can start their own sangha—just find a small group of friends with the agreement of praying for one another.