..Participation with Red Maple

The Red Maple Sangha is a community of lay practitioners dedicated

• to the study and practice of traditional Buddhist teaching, and
• to making the benefits of Buddhist practice techniques available widely within a rural region not well served by other Dharma groups.

We are not concerned with building a physical centre and, with no obligation to a specific lineage or teacher, have no need to practice within a hierarchical "order".

Those who attend practice with RMS do not proceed through stages or ranks, rather, themselves select the depth of commitment and level of responsibility appropriate to their practice. No one is required to make any exclusive commitments and all are encouraged to discover how to accommodate a practice in their lives. They are encouraged to be open to the diversity of approaches within Dharma, as well as the common aspects of teaching and moral advice.

We welcome all those who may already have a teacher or be seeking one, especially those associated with distant Dharma centres.

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Associate Practitioners

These are people who want to attend occasional practice, mostly at the exploratory or introductory level, often with little or no commitment to the teachings of Buddhism. They commit

• to being prompt when they attend,
• to notify the Kanin (program coordinator) of their intentions to attend,
• to participate in a respectful and harmonious way and
• to offer financial or resource dana as they can.

We also welcome occasional visitors from out-of-region practice communities for sittings or retreats.

Red Maple Members

If an Associate wishes to commit to more regular attendance, wants to explore more of the range of practices and wishes to offer more consistent support for RMS activities, they may wish to be considered as a Red Maple Member.

As a Red Maple Member, they are prepared to involve themselves more at the level of practice and programs and are building a home practice. They are not expected to define their practice as Buddhist, nor any faith tradition.

They will commit

• to specific attendance,
• may learn some of the practice session leadership roles (e.g. timekeeper)
• may help with set-up chores,
• a greater responsibility in running practice and community events, and
• a specific financial support monthly.

Because of their willingness to accept this responsibility they become involved in much of the discussion and decision making about activities and will volunteer to help run activities. They will be more deliberate about the formality of their practice

Dharma Members

If a Red Maple Member wishes to deepen their practice in the Buddhist tradition, they may wish to be acknowledged as Dharma members. These people participate regularly in RMS Dharma practices, taking a more personal responsibility in bringing these to public attention. They have established a regular home practice. They participate in peer interviews, explore dharma history and teaching, even presenting their own study to each other, and will learn some additional Buddhist practices (e.g. chanting, oryoki). They will take an active role in learning to lead practice sessions.

Dharma members understand that the Buddha way is one of service, and incorporate into their lives and RMS practice their dedication to bring an end to suffering. They will share more of integrating Buddhist ethics and way of life in their personal lives.

They may be involved with other Dharma groups, even being students of teachers. They make a substantial commitment of time and Dana to Red Maple and play an active role in discussions and decisions, in supporting RMS activities and events, ensuring RMS' long-term sustainability. During practice they identify themselves as Dharma practice resources and "models" by wearing all black clothing.