cyber sangha

There is new information and communications technology (ICT). It may not effect what we as a sangha communicate about, but it makes a potentially enormous difference to how and when we communicate with whom.

But there are options.

We can ignore it and carry on with the old ways. Or we can have a relatively low-tech involvement such as being on a rarely used email list. Or we can enter the ICT pool at the shallow end with Facebook and Twitter, the middle with personal or group blogs and websites, or the deep end with all manner of innovative gismos (eg bulletin boards, Skype etc)

Amongst other things a Sangha exists to support members in beginning and maintaining a ‘practice’. Sitting together in silence is a fundamental and powerful means of non-verbal communication. But there are also verbal means. Chief amongst these are dharma talks (or readings), formal sharing and listening from the heart, and informal sessions of chat that are less focussed on our practice.

For a range of different reasons different people are more or less enthusiastic about the potential of ICT to assist sangha members in developing their own practice and encouraging the practice of others. No problems. Enhanced ICT options can be developed and it is optional whether or not members use them.

Two main categories of messages come to mind. There can be pointers to textual, audio and video sources of notable presentations about the dharma on the internet.  There can also be personal stories highlighting the details of member’s individual practice. The first category involves ‘herding another person’s cows’ which can be a valuable service. The second category involves the idiosyncratic  identification and rounding up of member’s own cows – this could develop into a highly original body of work.

As a member of a sangha with a wide geographical spread, what are your feelings about using some ICT to change how and when we communicate with whom?