How the interim board got started, its purpose, how it works and what we have done so far
The Order can be seen as a practical expression of the sangha refuge. It exists to support, govern and bind us all together and generally works in the background to support us in our Buddhist practice. The interim board has been working together with Rev. Master Haryo to identify and start to work on those Order-wide areas that need attention. Once identified, working groups may be formed who examine the issues, consult with others and develop recommendations that can be considered by the wider sangha. By taking refuge in this way, the board and working groups help us all move towards commonly agreed-upon proposals.These go to the head of the Order for consideration. This process helps Rev. Master Haryo and the sangha to collectively address some heartfelt practical concerns.
How the interim board came to be
At the Order’s general meetings at Shasta Abbey in 2010 a number of important issues about our Order arose. During these meetings a group of monks and lay ministers got together and constructed a proposal to form a temporary group of Order members whose purpose is to create a process which allows issues to be addressed and also to provide a way for further contributions and concerns to be brought to the Order’s attention. This proposal was agreed to and over the next few weeks an interim board was formed and its creation publicly announced. The board's purpose was laid out in the following agreement:
