Karen Burow
Sangha Dhara
Sangha Holder

The Sangha Dhara has the responsibility of maintaining current contacts, awareness of the general well being of sangha members, and assuring new visitors feel welcome.

James Brave, Randy Couch,
Michael Donnoe, Heide Couch

I have been coming to Lion’s Roar for a few years now. Nearly every time my experience is different. I’d like to think it is evolving—that I am evolving—into that finer vision.

Early on, I was terrified. I had never been to anything like this. What do I wear? Where do I sit? What if I have to talk to someone? Are they all going to stare at me? – all the questions that filled my mind. Once I had the courage to go- I felt like I was walking into a meeting that was already ongoing- awkward, quiet. On my best days I felt warm and peaceful. On my worst days I thought: Do I belong here? Why are they bowing? What do those words mean? My leg [back, neck, head] hurts. Who are these people?

Later on, I went through many ups and downs. I had periods of arriving for practice in emotional turmoil; periods of leaving in emotional turmoil. I struggled to feel like “I belong”; I focused on the differences between myself and other people. At times I felt so small I thought I might crawl under a chair; other times I had so much energy I thought I would get up and run around the room.

I still came back to see what would happen next. Curious.

I have some bulldog in my personality (?bull-headed)- maybe that helped me push ahead. Now I am learning to be gentle with myself, though, and to let go of my struggles. I rejoice at new friendships; I smile at how fortunate I am to be with others who are going in the same direction as me. I contemplate the richness of our minds. More often I notice the bright flowers, the birds chirping, the water swirling down the river.