Meeting Format

1. Gathering in Silence

Participants enter quietly and take their place in the circle.

A bell is rung to begin.

All join in reciting:

All sentient beings suffer.

Suffering arises through ignorance and apathy.

Empathy and insight awaken compassion, kindness, and liberation from suffering.

We devote ourselves to the Saha, where truth and awakening arise together.

As long as suffering remains, the Saha endures.

2. Settling into Presence

A brief period of quiet breathing.

Breathing in, we become present. Breathing out, we release what we carry. Breathing in, we become still. Breathing out, we rest in compassion.

Silence.

3. Silent Reflection

A period of shared silence.

Participants rest in stillness, awareness, and compassion.

4. Metta Meditation

The steward gently offers:

May I be free from suffering. May I know peace. May I live in compassion.

Silence.

May those I love be free from suffering. May they know peace. May they live in compassion.

Silence.

May strangers be free from suffering. May they know peace. May they live in compassion.

Silence.

May those with whom I struggle be free from suffering. May they know peace. May they live in compassion.

Silence.

May all beings be free from suffering. May all beings know peace. May all beings live in compassion. May all beings be liberated together.

Silence.

5. Shared Reflection

Those who feel led may briefly share an insight, truth, or reflection arising from silence.

After each sharing, the circle returns to silence.

6. Closing Vow

A bell is rung.

All join in reciting:

All sentient beings suffer.

Suffering arises through ignorance and apathy.

Empathy and insight awaken compassion, kindness, and liberation from suffering.

We devote ourselves to the Saha, where truth and awakening arise together.

As long as suffering remains, the Saha endures.

All conclude together:

May all beings know peace.