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We are a Theravada Buddhist community based in New Haven, Connecticut that seeks to create an inclusive space for all to learn about and practice meditation. |
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Dear Sangha,
This Saturday, July 11, from 10:30 am to Noon, we will meet for a Simple Sit meditation.
Join us in person at the New Haven Free Public Library or online by clicking below:
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The body is the tree of enlightenment,
The mind like a clear mirror stand;
Time and gain wipe it diligently,
Don’t let it gather dust.
- Shenxiu
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News from Annual Meeting 2026 |
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With ECI members joining online and in person, this year's annual meeting included several important votes.
The Board has made two important changes to the structure of ECI; one decreasing the board structure, and the other establishing and defining a new standing committee. To accommodate a smaller oversight group, the minimum size of the Board has been updated to four (4). This will be reflected in bylaw change.
Joe will step down from his presidency. The leadership will become a shared role with Melanie and John serving as co-presidents.
Joy and John will co-lead the new programming committee open to all sangha members. The committee will create accept proposals of events and themes for activities to spark participation and visibility among the members of the sangha. The first meeting of this non-Board committee has not yet been established. If you are interested in joining, please connect with Joy or John.
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Why Build Sangha?
Caleb Cushing
Published in June 2009
Thich Nhat Hanh shares the fruits of monastic civilization with lay practitioners so that we, too, can experience community as a resource for awakening. Meditation can seem easier when we’re in a group, and we learn from each other, so we build Sangha to enjoy and support our practice.
The Buddha was explicit about the value of community: “Monks, as to external factors, I do not see any other factor that is so helpful for the arising of the seven factors of enlightenment as this: good friendship.” (Samyutta Nikaya, Bojjhangasayutta, 51)
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Kuan-Yin Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment Ceremony 7/26/26
Chuang Yen Monastery (Putnam County, NY) will be holding a ceremony to commemorate Kuan-Yin Bodhisattva’s Enlightenment. The ceremony will be held from 10:00 am. to 12:15 pm. on July 26, 2026.
Joy plans to drive up and live New Haven about 7 am. If you would like to ride with her, click below to prepare an email.
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Would you like to host a Simple Sit in August?
Each month our calendar of activities includes Simple Sit Saturdays. In the summer months, our facilitators will take a break during the month of August which opens up a month of opportunities to sit together. To host, you will hold the solo task of ringing the opening and closing bell.
Anyone who might like to host virtually or in person at the library, please drop an line indicating your interest for next month by July 20th or you can share your general interest too.
"I'm interested in hosting a Simple Sit."
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ECI Online Sits
Sunday Sit at 7:30 am
- Community meditation
- Sunday, 7:30–8:30am
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Weekday Morning Sit
- Community meditation
- Monday through Friday,
7:30–8:30am
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C
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July: Saturday Sit Schedule
Saturday, July 11: Simple Sit
Saturday, July 18: Dhamma Talk, Joy
Saturday, July 25: Dhamma Talk, Lee
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Passing the Torch to...
Annette notes Melanie will now be serving as the Sangha’s Goodwill Ambassador. Thanks to Melanie for taking this on!
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Sangha NOTES
Dana
Dana, the practice of generosity, supports teachers in continuing practice and the lineage of Buddhist teachings. If you benefit from these practices and from this community, please consider supporting us. Dana is currently used to support our website, arrange visiting dhamma teachers, help to feed the New Haven community in need, and support the New Haven Free Public Library in gratitude for their generosity in providing our Saturday meeting space.
The easiest way to contribute is through this link where you can make a donation via Venmo or with a credit or debit card (via PayPal, no account required). Alternatively, if you want to send a check, please address it to:
Elm Community Insight
PO Box 6195
40 Putnam Ave
Hamden, CT 06517
Volunteering
We are seeking volunteers to assist with future Saturday Sangha meetings, including setting up, greeting visitors, and providing technical support at the Library. One way to help is to arrive early at the Library (~10:10 am) to help set up the room for Saturday Sangha. Thank you!
Community Resources
Melanie Stengel is the Sangha's Goodwill Ambassador: if have a need for concrete support (e.g., dog care, food, furniture moving) or emotional support (e.g., going through a hard time, would appreciate check-ins or visits), please reach out to her for coordination by clicking here: SanghaGoodwillAmbassador.
For supportive telephone conversation, warm lines are another resource. These phone lines are staffed by people with expertise in providing mutual aid. A list of Connecticut's warm lines is available here.
Our Community
Find more information about us, learn more about community meditation resources, or subscribe to our newsletter, visit our website at: elmcommunityinsight.org
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