The basic components of belonging

According to Willa Blythe Baker, forming a strong and healthy community begins with understanding how it is built. The first practice the Buddha taught his disciples was the practice of refuge. For 2,600 years, Buddhists have participated in a ritual of trusting in the Buddha (the enlightened guides), the dharma (the teachings), and the sangha (the spiritual community). Adopting this basic practice is the act of entering the dharma community. It…