Council Circle Format
Adapted from the Open Palm School of Zen at the Zen Center of Los Angeles
- OPENING THE COUNCIL
A. WELCOME
B. SIT
C. CHECK-IN ROUND (no talking pieces necessary)
D. PURPOSE OF COUNCIL
E. THE THREE TENETS (Read by a Volunteer) - Not-Knowing: Giving up fixed ideas about ourselves and the universe
- Bearing Witness: to the joy and suffering of the world and
- Taking Action: that arises from Not-Knowing and Bearing Witness
F. THE EIGHT GUIDELINES (Read by a Volunteer or Volunteers) - Listening from the Heart: Listen with your whole body, set aside judgment, look at the speaker.
- Speaking from the Heart: Use ‘I’ statements. Speak from your own experience.
- Speaking Leanly: Notice when you’re rambling, look at the listeners.
- Honoring Silence: It’s OK not to share, or silently hold the talking piece.
- Speaking Spontaneously: without planning what you will share.
- Holding Confidentiality: What is said in the circle stays in the circle. After the council is over, we may discuss with others themes and insights that arose, but without attribution to any party. No one is expected to speak about what they said in council after the council is over. If you want to further discuss something said in council with the person who said it, first ask permission of the person. People are free to say no, and this response must be respected. We practice confidentiality to build mutual respect and trust in the Sangha. This intention is held after council is over.
- Using the Talking Piece (facilitator introduces talking pieces)
- Refraining from Crosstalk: Do not address others in the council, nor reference someone else’s sharing.
G. LIGHTING THE CANDLE (Volunteer)
H. OFFERING THE BLESSING (Read by a Volunteer) - “May we open our hearts and awaken the Bodhi Mind”
- FACILITATOR INTRODUCES THE PROMPT, DESCRIBES THE STYLE (e.g. popcorn style or going around the circle)
- CHECK-OUT ROUND 15 minutes before closing
- REAFFIRMING CONFIDENTIALITY (Read by Volunteer)
“What is said in the circle stays in the circle. After the council is over, we may discuss with others themes and insights that arose, but without attribution to any party. No one is expected to speak about what they said in council after the council is over. If you want to further discuss something said in council with the person who said it, first ask permission of the person. People are free to say no, and this response must be respected. We practice confidentiality to build mutual respect and trust in the Sangha. This intention is held after council is over.” - END with FOUR VOWS or ENMEI JUKU KANNON GYO, DEDICATION of MERIT, and extinguish candle.