COMMUNITY

My Dear Friends,

As many of you know, I have been on sabbatical since the end of last year. My decision to take time away from teaching was primarily for two reasons: to get some much-needed rest from a demanding teaching schedule over the last 25 years, and to take stock of where my teaching work is at present, and where I feel inspired to take it in the future.

On top of this, due to the world-changing effects of the coronavirus, the Open Gate Sangha office was restructured last year. Saying goodbye to some of our staff has been both heart-wrenching and necessary. Any of you who have interacted with members of our staff over the years know the depth of their heart, commitment and excellence. All of those who have moved on will be dearly missed and live as true dharma friends in my heart. I can truly say that I feel very lucky and honored to have worked with some of the most extraordinary people that I have ever known. I look forward to entering back into teaching work this year with the slightly smaller (but no less committed) staff that Mukti and I have had the good fortune of working with for many years.

Mukti and I also moved from the Bay Area in California to the eastern slopes of the Sierra mountains in Nevada. I have spent most of my adult life driving up from the Bay Area to the Sierra mountains at almost every opportunity. They have been my spiritual home, natural playground, and place of solace since childhood, and I had long dreamed of living on the slopes of these sacred mountains one day. All in all, last year was one of immense transition for both Mukti and me, as it has no doubt been for so many of you. And yet our commitment to our teaching work, and to those who consider themselves our students, is as steadfast as ever. Indeed, I feel the currents of inspiration having a renewed sense of vitality and direction within me that I pray will nourish every aspect of my teaching work going forward.

As you may imagine, due to the coronavirus, it is still uncertain when I will be able to safely hold in-person programs again. But I do plan on offering in-person retreats and intensives, just as soon as it is safe to do so.

Meanwhile, I am happy to say that I will be starting regular online teaching again in April. I will resume offering free online broadcasts beginning in April (check my calendar for dates). I will also be adding twice-a-month Community Practice sessions on Sunday mornings, which I expect to begin in May. These Community Practice sessions will start with a period of silent meditation, followed by a talk, and then responses to written-in questions. My intention with the Community Practice sessions is to put more focus on the spiritual practice of meditation, and to have the teachings be oriented toward the various aspects of effective spiritual practice as it is integrated and lived in daily life.

My first upcoming live broadcast will be on Wednesday, April 7 at 6 pm. I will talk further about some of the changes that have taken place, as well as discuss some new points of emphasis in my teaching work that I foresee coming in the future. I hope you will join me.

I look forward to connecting with everybody soon!

With Great Love,
Adyashanti