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This material was developed by Alan Sloan.
Contact:
Alan Sloan asloan@ns.sympatico.ca;
The following guidelines are a suggested format for those collaborative groups that wish to engage in a more structured process. They are based upon the teachings that all of us have received on the heaven, earth and human principles. The format is simply a planning tool. It starts by having the group identify what has brought people together and what has inspired them. Then it lays the groundwork for establishing good communication by clearly defining what the group wishes to accomplish and how they intend to accomplish it. Finally, it suggests that the group identify a process to continue to work and communicate together after Kalapa Assembly. The group completes its activities by preparing a 5-minute summary of the work to date to be presented on the final day to the participants from other groups within their general area.
Heaven Principle: Establishing The View
- The session begins with members introducing themselves and briefly stating why they have joined the group - what inspires them and what challenges them with regards to the proposed topic (all inspirations and challenges should be noted by the scribe).
- After summarizing this format, the facilitator asks the group what they wish to accomplish in the three sessions; although the group does not have to immediately limit the scope of the discussion, as time is limited there may be a collective desire to focus on some specific issues that can be pragmatically addressed within the period of the Assembly.
- The key Shambhala principles that relate to the topic to be discussed are then identified – those common principles which have inspired the group to come together and to move forward. Based upon these principles, the group drafts a short vision statement - what they would like to accomplish by the end of Assembly, and possibly, after Assembly.
Earth Principle: Opportunities And Challenges
- The opportunities, including existing, new and future opportunities, are identified.
- The challenges or difficulties associated with the fulfillment of those opportunities are identified, which may include: current misunderstandings, misperceptions, prejudices, habitual patterns, existing structures, the limitations associated with certain approaches or methods, the restrictive policies of specific institutions, and so on.
Human Principle: Application Of The Shambhala Teachings
- Suggestions as to how best to address the challenges from a Shambhala perspective are identified and discussed.
- Having addressed the challenges, suggestions for how best to maximize the opportunities from a Shambhala perspective are identified and discussed.
Moving Forward: Post-Assembly And Summary
- With regards to after Kalapa Assembly, identify how best to implement what has been discussed and learned; this would be recorded on the Group Summary report and would likely include:
- group organization and leadership - identifying those individuals willing to devote the energy and time to organize future efforts
- communications - identify how the group will keep in touch (e.g. Internet e-mail, newsletters, regional conferences)
- resources - identify how costs, if any, are to be covered
- rough timeline - identify what the group or individuals wish to accomplish in the short term (one year)
- To conclude, the group prepares a 5-minute presentation that includes a concise summary and closing statement about the topics discussed over the past few days; this presentation will be given at the last plenary session of the general area groups (dohas encouraged).
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