from goodbye lenin

stage two of the chairmen's strategy discussion at the chairmen's meeting at vimaladhatu, the retreat centre of the essen centre. amaraketu took the chairmen thorugh a fourfold process from appreciative enquiry,
i
using our own experience of connection to discover what elelments of an organisation give it its vitality;
ii
extrapolating from that to think about what organisational changes would support that experience;
iii
prioritising these
iv
looking in practical detail; who does what and when.

although it was an independent discussion, there was a lot of
overlap with the conclusions of the strategy group, mentioned in my december 17 post.

the priorities included:

Create a clear, progressive, and complete framework of practice, widely shared, taught, and translated

Understand Bhante's vision of the Dharma more deeply and communicate it

Resourcing people to be Preceptors, Teachers, and Mentors

Making Team-Based Right Livelihood more attractive
through Better financial support, Work skills, Spiritual training

Telling the history of our community truthfully, in a way that fosters understanding and confidence.

Building a virtual, online Buddhist centre

the discussion at the chairs meeting means that these priorities have been adopted, and they will now begin to implemented.

other memorable moments of the retreat included the flu bug that laid most of the chairmen low for a day or two at least; and a late night showing of goodbye lenin. i remembered that it was funny; i had forgotten how tender, and how poignant it was. a good, kind, funny movie...