Bright Way Zen - Planning Survey

Ten Questions

Dear Members and Participants ~ Please help us identify goals and priorities for our growing practice community. We would like to hear from you about your experience with us and where we should focus our energy in the next few years. To ensure our process is inclusive, we are seeking input from as many people as possible who practice with us, even occasionally. Please help us by taking time to fill out this survey. If you are busy, please answer the questions that speak to you. Your perspective is important.

Question Title

* 1. How Do You Participate at Bright Way? (Check all that apply)

Tuesday - Meditation

Tuesday - Discussion

Saturday - Meditation

Sunday - Meditation

Sunday - Discussion

Member (You support the center with a regular financial pledge)

Term Student Program

Weekday Online Meditation (via Zoom)

Sesshin (You have attended an overnight, multi-day retreat with BWZ)

Have taken Jukai or become a Lay Disciple

One-Day Retreat

Service Position (You have served as timekeeper, greeter, chant leader, etc.)

Volunteer (Work parties, cleaning, admin assistance, etc.)

Financial or material donor (Other than regular member dues)

Read weekly newsletters

Read Domyo's blog posts

Listen to or read Domyo's Zen Studies Podcast

Sanzen with the teacher (during zazen at Bright Way)

Practice Discussion (meeting with Domyo at other times)

Other Sangha gatherings (Dharma Tea, Potlucks)

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 2. How Long Have You Been Participating at Bright Way?

Less than 6 months

6 months - 1 year

1 - 2 years

3-5 years

More than 5 years

Question Title

* 3. Which of the Following Best Applies to You (Choose One)

1. I live locally and attend Bright Way in person regularly, or would like to

2. I live locally but am not interested in attending Bright Way in person at this time

3. I live too far from Bright Way to regularly attend in person

Question Title

* 4. IF You Answered (1) to Question 3 (otherwise leave this question blank), When You Don't Attend Bright Way, Please Rate the Reasons Why

	Never applies to me	Sometimes applies to me	Often applies to me	Frequently applies to me
Travel time (distance/traffic)	Travel time (distance/traffic) Never applies to me	Travel time (distance/traffic) Sometimes applies to me	Travel time (distance/traffic) Often applies to me	Travel time (distance/traffic) Frequently applies to me
I lack efficient transportation	I lack efficient transportation Never applies to me	I lack efficient transportation Sometimes applies to me	I lack efficient transportation Often applies to me	I lack efficient transportation Frequently applies to me
Evening meetings don't work well for me	Evening meetings don't work well for me Never applies to me	Evening meetings don't work well for me Sometimes applies to me	Evening meetings don't work well for me Often applies to me	Evening meetings don't work well for me Frequently applies to me
Weekend morning meetings don't work well for me	Weekend morning meetings don't work well for me Never applies to me	Weekend morning meetings don't work well for me Sometimes applies to me	Weekend morning meetings don't work well for me Often applies to me	Weekend morning meetings don't work well for me Frequently applies to me
Tuesdays don't work well for me	Tuesdays don't work well for me Never applies to me	Tuesdays don't work well for me Sometimes applies to me	Tuesdays don't work well for me Often applies to me	Tuesdays don't work well for me Frequently applies to me
Sundays don't work well for me	Sundays don't work well for me Never applies to me	Sundays don't work well for me Sometimes applies to me	Sundays don't work well for me Often applies to me	Sundays don't work well for me Frequently applies to me
Need to spend more time with family	Need to spend more time with family Never applies to me	Need to spend more time with family Sometimes applies to me	Need to spend more time with family Often applies to me	Need to spend more time with family Frequently applies to me
Not interested in the discussion topic	Not interested in the discussion topic Never applies to me	Not interested in the discussion topic Sometimes applies to me	Not interested in the discussion topic Often applies to me	Not interested in the discussion topic Frequently applies to me
Do not feel comfortable in the community	Do not feel comfortable in the community Never applies to me	Do not feel comfortable in the community Sometimes applies to me	Do not feel comfortable in the community Often applies to me	Do not feel comfortable in the community Frequently applies to me
My work schedule conflicts	My work schedule conflicts Never applies to me	My work schedule conflicts Sometimes applies to me	My work schedule conflicts Often applies to me	My work schedule conflicts Frequently applies to me
I have too many other responsibilities to spare the time	I have too many other responsibilities to spare the time Never applies to me	I have too many other responsibilities to spare the time Sometimes applies to me	I have too many other responsibilities to spare the time Often applies to me	I have too many other responsibilities to spare the time Frequently applies to me

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 5. I Participate with (or Follow) Bright Way In Order To

	Doesn't apply to me at all		Somewhat applies		Definitely applies to me
Sit zazen with others in a quiet, dedicated space	Sit zazen with others in a quiet, dedicated space Doesn't apply to me at all	Sit zazen with others in a quiet, dedicated space	Sit zazen with others in a quiet, dedicated space Somewhat applies	Sit zazen with others in a quiet, dedicated space	Sit zazen with others in a quiet, dedicated space Definitely applies to me
Inspire and motivate my practice outside of the Zen center	Inspire and motivate my practice outside of the Zen center Doesn't apply to me at all	Inspire and motivate my practice outside of the Zen center	Inspire and motivate my practice outside of the Zen center Somewhat applies	Inspire and motivate my practice outside of the Zen center	Inspire and motivate my practice outside of the Zen center Definitely applies to me
Get instruction for my Buddhist and/or meditation practice	Get instruction for my Buddhist and/or meditation practice Doesn't apply to me at all	Get instruction for my Buddhist and/or meditation practice	Get instruction for my Buddhist and/or meditation practice Somewhat applies	Get instruction for my Buddhist and/or meditation practice	Get instruction for my Buddhist and/or meditation practice Definitely applies to me
Reduce my stress	Reduce my stress Doesn't apply to me at all	Reduce my stress	Reduce my stress Somewhat applies	Reduce my stress	Reduce my stress Definitely applies to me
Increase my equanimity and compassion	Increase my equanimity and compassion Doesn't apply to me at all	Increase my equanimity and compassion	Increase my equanimity and compassion Somewhat applies	Increase my equanimity and compassion	Increase my equanimity and compassion Definitely applies to me
Learn more about Buddhism and Zen	Learn more about Buddhism and Zen Doesn't apply to me at all	Learn more about Buddhism and Zen	Learn more about Buddhism and Zen Somewhat applies	Learn more about Buddhism and Zen	Learn more about Buddhism and Zen Definitely applies to me
Connect with Community	Connect with Community Doesn't apply to me at all	Connect with Community	Connect with Community Somewhat applies	Connect with Community	Connect with Community Definitely applies to me
Make friends	Make friends Doesn't apply to me at all	Make friends	Make friends Somewhat applies	Make friends	Make friends Definitely applies to me
Participate in Ritual/Ceremonial Space	Participate in Ritual/Ceremonial Space Doesn't apply to me at all	Participate in Ritual/Ceremonial Space	Participate in Ritual/Ceremonial Space Somewhat applies	Participate in Ritual/Ceremonial Space	Participate in Ritual/Ceremonial Space Definitely applies to me
Interact with a Zen Teacher	Interact with a Zen Teacher Doesn't apply to me at all	Interact with a Zen Teacher	Interact with a Zen Teacher Somewhat applies	Interact with a Zen Teacher	Interact with a Zen Teacher Definitely applies to me
Have challenging/inspiring conversations about the Dharma	Have challenging/inspiring conversations about the Dharma Doesn't apply to me at all	Have challenging/inspiring conversations about the Dharma	Have challenging/inspiring conversations about the Dharma Somewhat applies	Have challenging/inspiring conversations about the Dharma	Have challenging/inspiring conversations about the Dharma Definitely applies to me
Foster/nourish my connection with the Ineffable/the Divine	Foster/nourish my connection with the Ineffable/the Divine Doesn't apply to me at all	Foster/nourish my connection with the Ineffable/the Divine	Foster/nourish my connection with the Ineffable/the Divine Somewhat applies	Foster/nourish my connection with the Ineffable/the Divine	Foster/nourish my connection with the Ineffable/the Divine Definitely applies to me

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 6. How Valuable are the Following Features of Bright Way to You?

	No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Not valuable to me	Somewhat valuable to me	Valuable to me	Very valuable to me	Extremely valuable to me
Opportunities for zazen at Bright Way	Opportunities for zazen at Bright Way No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Opportunities for zazen at Bright Way Not valuable to me	Opportunities for zazen at Bright Way Somewhat valuable to me	Opportunities for zazen at Bright Way Valuable to me	Opportunities for zazen at Bright Way Very valuable to me	Opportunities for zazen at Bright Way Extremely valuable to me
Online zazen with others	Online zazen with others No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Online zazen with others Not valuable to me	Online zazen with others Somewhat valuable to me	Online zazen with others Valuable to me	Online zazen with others Very valuable to me	Online zazen with others Extremely valuable to me
Classes and discussions where we read a book together	Classes and discussions where we read a book together No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Classes and discussions where we read a book together Not valuable to me	Classes and discussions where we read a book together Somewhat valuable to me	Classes and discussions where we read a book together Valuable to me	Classes and discussions where we read a book together Very valuable to me	Classes and discussions where we read a book together Extremely valuable to me
Dharma talks (Domyo or guest teacher give a talk and take questions)	Dharma talks (Domyo or guest teacher give a talk and take questions) No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Dharma talks (Domyo or guest teacher give a talk and take questions) Not valuable to me	Dharma talks (Domyo or guest teacher give a talk and take questions) Somewhat valuable to me	Dharma talks (Domyo or guest teacher give a talk and take questions) Valuable to me	Dharma talks (Domyo or guest teacher give a talk and take questions) Very valuable to me	Dharma talks (Domyo or guest teacher give a talk and take questions) Extremely valuable to me
Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats)	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) Not valuable to me	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) Somewhat valuable to me	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) Valuable to me	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) Very valuable to me	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) Extremely valuable to me
One-Day Retreats	One-Day Retreats No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	One-Day Retreats Not valuable to me	One-Day Retreats Somewhat valuable to me	One-Day Retreats Valuable to me	One-Day Retreats Very valuable to me	One-Day Retreats Extremely valuable to me
Weekly Newsletter	Weekly Newsletter No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Weekly Newsletter Not valuable to me	Weekly Newsletter Somewhat valuable to me	Weekly Newsletter Valuable to me	Weekly Newsletter Very valuable to me	Weekly Newsletter Extremely valuable to me
Domyo's blog posts	Domyo's blog posts No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Domyo's blog posts Not valuable to me	Domyo's blog posts Somewhat valuable to me	Domyo's blog posts Valuable to me	Domyo's blog posts Very valuable to me	Domyo's blog posts Extremely valuable to me
Domyo's Zen Studies Podcast	Domyo's Zen Studies Podcast No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Domyo's Zen Studies Podcast Not valuable to me	Domyo's Zen Studies Podcast Somewhat valuable to me	Domyo's Zen Studies Podcast Valuable to me	Domyo's Zen Studies Podcast Very valuable to me	Domyo's Zen Studies Podcast Extremely valuable to me
Talks by guest teachers	Talks by guest teachers No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Talks by guest teachers Not valuable to me	Talks by guest teachers Somewhat valuable to me	Talks by guest teachers Valuable to me	Talks by guest teachers Very valuable to me	Talks by guest teachers Extremely valuable to me
Sanzen with the teacher (during zazen at Bright Way)	Sanzen with the teacher (during zazen at Bright Way) No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Sanzen with the teacher (during zazen at Bright Way) Not valuable to me	Sanzen with the teacher (during zazen at Bright Way) Somewhat valuable to me	Sanzen with the teacher (during zazen at Bright Way) Valuable to me	Sanzen with the teacher (during zazen at Bright Way) Very valuable to me	Sanzen with the teacher (during zazen at Bright Way) Extremely valuable to me
Practice Discussion (meeting with Domyo at other times	Practice Discussion (meeting with Domyo at other times No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Practice Discussion (meeting with Domyo at other times Not valuable to me	Practice Discussion (meeting with Domyo at other times Somewhat valuable to me	Practice Discussion (meeting with Domyo at other times Valuable to me	Practice Discussion (meeting with Domyo at other times Very valuable to me	Practice Discussion (meeting with Domyo at other times Extremely valuable to me
Other sangha gatherings (Dharma Tea, Potlucks	Other sangha gatherings (Dharma Tea, Potlucks No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Other sangha gatherings (Dharma Tea, Potlucks Not valuable to me	Other sangha gatherings (Dharma Tea, Potlucks Somewhat valuable to me	Other sangha gatherings (Dharma Tea, Potlucks Valuable to me	Other sangha gatherings (Dharma Tea, Potlucks Very valuable to me	Other sangha gatherings (Dharma Tea, Potlucks Extremely valuable to me
Term Student Program	Term Student Program No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Term Student Program Not valuable to me	Term Student Program Somewhat valuable to me	Term Student Program Valuable to me	Term Student Program Very valuable to me	Term Student Program Extremely valuable to me
Ceremonies and Ritual	Ceremonies and Ritual No opinion - I have no experience with this offering	Ceremonies and Ritual Not valuable to me	Ceremonies and Ritual Somewhat valuable to me	Ceremonies and Ritual Valuable to me	Ceremonies and Ritual Very valuable to me	Ceremonies and Ritual Extremely valuable to me

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 7. What Kind of Teaching is Most Helpful to You?

	Not helpful				Very helpful
Classical Buddhist Teachings - Four Noble Truths, Paramitas, Koans, Sutras, Karma, etc.	Classical Buddhist Teachings - Four Noble Truths, Paramitas, Koans, Sutras, Karma, etc. Not helpful	Classical Buddhist Teachings - Four Noble Truths, Paramitas, Koans, Sutras, Karma, etc.	Classical Buddhist Teachings - Four Noble Truths, Paramitas, Koans, Sutras, Karma, etc.	Classical Buddhist Teachings - Four Noble Truths, Paramitas, Koans, Sutras, Karma, etc.	Classical Buddhist Teachings - Four Noble Truths, Paramitas, Koans, Sutras, Karma, etc. Very helpful
Specific practical practice support, for example, dealing with obstacles in meditation	Specific practical practice support, for example, dealing with obstacles in meditation Not helpful	Specific practical practice support, for example, dealing with obstacles in meditation	Specific practical practice support, for example, dealing with obstacles in meditation	Specific practical practice support, for example, dealing with obstacles in meditation	Specific practical practice support, for example, dealing with obstacles in meditation Very helpful
Forms and rituals in the zendo - entering, silence, bowing, kinhin (walking meditation), etc.	Forms and rituals in the zendo - entering, silence, bowing, kinhin (walking meditation), etc. Not helpful	Forms and rituals in the zendo - entering, silence, bowing, kinhin (walking meditation), etc.	Forms and rituals in the zendo - entering, silence, bowing, kinhin (walking meditation), etc.	Forms and rituals in the zendo - entering, silence, bowing, kinhin (walking meditation), etc.	Forms and rituals in the zendo - entering, silence, bowing, kinhin (walking meditation), etc. Very helpful
Working with Buddhist Precepts (Ethical Teachings)	Working with Buddhist Precepts (Ethical Teachings) Not helpful	Working with Buddhist Precepts (Ethical Teachings)	Working with Buddhist Precepts (Ethical Teachings)	Working with Buddhist Precepts (Ethical Teachings)	Working with Buddhist Precepts (Ethical Teachings) Very helpful
Studying the work of contemporary teachers	Studying the work of contemporary teachers Not helpful	Studying the work of contemporary teachers	Studying the work of contemporary teachers	Studying the work of contemporary teachers	Studying the work of contemporary teachers Very helpful
How to strengthen my home practice	How to strengthen my home practice Not helpful	How to strengthen my home practice	How to strengthen my home practice	How to strengthen my home practice	How to strengthen my home practice Very helpful
Teaching that addresses everyday issues, such as interpersonal conflict, stress, parenting, etc.	Teaching that addresses everyday issues, such as interpersonal conflict, stress, parenting, etc. Not helpful	Teaching that addresses everyday issues, such as interpersonal conflict, stress, parenting, etc.	Teaching that addresses everyday issues, such as interpersonal conflict, stress, parenting, etc.	Teaching that addresses everyday issues, such as interpersonal conflict, stress, parenting, etc.	Teaching that addresses everyday issues, such as interpersonal conflict, stress, parenting, etc. Very helpful
Teaching that speaks to social and environmental concerns (climate change, peace, diversity, etc.)	Teaching that speaks to social and environmental concerns (climate change, peace, diversity, etc.) Not helpful	Teaching that speaks to social and environmental concerns (climate change, peace, diversity, etc.)	Teaching that speaks to social and environmental concerns (climate change, peace, diversity, etc.)	Teaching that speaks to social and environmental concerns (climate change, peace, diversity, etc.)	Teaching that speaks to social and environmental concerns (climate change, peace, diversity, etc.) Very helpful
Learning through personal stories, examples of how practice applies in everyday life	Learning through personal stories, examples of how practice applies in everyday life Not helpful	Learning through personal stories, examples of how practice applies in everyday life	Learning through personal stories, examples of how practice applies in everyday life	Learning through personal stories, examples of how practice applies in everyday life	Learning through personal stories, examples of how practice applies in everyday life Very helpful
Group discussions and inquiry	Group discussions and inquiry Not helpful	Group discussions and inquiry	Group discussions and inquiry	Group discussions and inquiry	Group discussions and inquiry Very helpful

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 8. What Would You Like to See at Bright Way in the Future? (Please elaborate in the "Other" comment box)

	I don't think we need this	Feel neutral	This would be nice	I would love to see this	I'd like to help make this happen
More One-Day Silent Retreats (We have about 4 per year)	More One-Day Silent Retreats (We have about 4 per year) I don't think we need this	More One-Day Silent Retreats (We have about 4 per year) Feel neutral	More One-Day Silent Retreats (We have about 4 per year) This would be nice	More One-Day Silent Retreats (We have about 4 per year) I would love to see this	More One-Day Silent Retreats (We have about 4 per year) I'd like to help make this happen
Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats)	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) I don't think we need this	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) Feel neutral	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) This would be nice	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) I would love to see this	Sesshin (multi-day, overnight retreats) I'd like to help make this happen
Additional Opportunity for Zazen (e.g. Thursday)	Additional Opportunity for Zazen (e.g. Thursday) I don't think we need this	Additional Opportunity for Zazen (e.g. Thursday) Feel neutral	Additional Opportunity for Zazen (e.g. Thursday) This would be nice	Additional Opportunity for Zazen (e.g. Thursday) I would love to see this	Additional Opportunity for Zazen (e.g. Thursday) I'd like to help make this happen
A Bigger Meeting Space	A Bigger Meeting Space I don't think we need this	A Bigger Meeting Space Feel neutral	A Bigger Meeting Space This would be nice	A Bigger Meeting Space I would love to see this	A Bigger Meeting Space I'd like to help make this happen
Facility With Better Parking	Facility With Better Parking I don't think we need this	Facility With Better Parking Feel neutral	Facility With Better Parking This would be nice	Facility With Better Parking I would love to see this	Facility With Better Parking I'd like to help make this happen
Owning our own building	Owning our own building I don't think we need this	Owning our own building Feel neutral	Owning our own building This would be nice	Owning our own building I would love to see this	Owning our own building I'd like to help make this happen
Emphasis on long-term stability (finances, facility, teacher support, etc.)	Emphasis on long-term stability (finances, facility, teacher support, etc.) I don't think we need this	Emphasis on long-term stability (finances, facility, teacher support, etc.) Feel neutral	Emphasis on long-term stability (finances, facility, teacher support, etc.) This would be nice	Emphasis on long-term stability (finances, facility, teacher support, etc.) I would love to see this	Emphasis on long-term stability (finances, facility, teacher support, etc.) I'd like to help make this happen
More Social Events	More Social Events I don't think we need this	More Social Events Feel neutral	More Social Events This would be nice	More Social Events I would love to see this	More Social Events I'd like to help make this happen
Ways to Get to Know Others in the Sangha	Ways to Get to Know Others in the Sangha I don't think we need this	Ways to Get to Know Others in the Sangha Feel neutral	Ways to Get to Know Others in the Sangha This would be nice	Ways to Get to Know Others in the Sangha I would love to see this	Ways to Get to Know Others in the Sangha I'd like to help make this happen
Childcare	Childcare I don't think we need this	Childcare Feel neutral	Childcare This would be nice	Childcare I would love to see this	Childcare I'd like to help make this happen
Children's Programs	Children's Programs I don't think we need this	Children's Programs Feel neutral	Children's Programs This would be nice	Children's Programs I would love to see this	Children's Programs I'd like to help make this happen
Workshops on Zen arts (calligraphy, flower arranging, etc.)	Workshops on Zen arts (calligraphy, flower arranging, etc.) I don't think we need this	Workshops on Zen arts (calligraphy, flower arranging, etc.) Feel neutral	Workshops on Zen arts (calligraphy, flower arranging, etc.) This would be nice	Workshops on Zen arts (calligraphy, flower arranging, etc.) I would love to see this	Workshops on Zen arts (calligraphy, flower arranging, etc.) I'd like to help make this happen
More Guest Teachers/Speakers	More Guest Teachers/Speakers I don't think we need this	More Guest Teachers/Speakers Feel neutral	More Guest Teachers/Speakers This would be nice	More Guest Teachers/Speakers I would love to see this	More Guest Teachers/Speakers I'd like to help make this happen
More Dharma Talks	More Dharma Talks I don't think we need this	More Dharma Talks Feel neutral	More Dharma Talks This would be nice	More Dharma Talks I would love to see this	More Dharma Talks I'd like to help make this happen
Yoga or Mindful Movement Classes	Yoga or Mindful Movement Classes I don't think we need this	Yoga or Mindful Movement Classes Feel neutral	Yoga or Mindful Movement Classes This would be nice	Yoga or Mindful Movement Classes I would love to see this	Yoga or Mindful Movement Classes I'd like to help make this happen
More online video or audio of sangha activities	More online video or audio of sangha activities I don't think we need this	More online video or audio of sangha activities Feel neutral	More online video or audio of sangha activities This would be nice	More online video or audio of sangha activities I would love to see this	More online video or audio of sangha activities I'd like to help make this happen
Refuge Recovery (Buddhist AA)	Refuge Recovery (Buddhist AA) I don't think we need this	Refuge Recovery (Buddhist AA) Feel neutral	Refuge Recovery (Buddhist AA) This would be nice	Refuge Recovery (Buddhist AA) I would love to see this	Refuge Recovery (Buddhist AA) I'd like to help make this happen
More opportunities to interact online with teacher and/or sangha	More opportunities to interact online with teacher and/or sangha I don't think we need this	More opportunities to interact online with teacher and/or sangha Feel neutral	More opportunities to interact online with teacher and/or sangha This would be nice	More opportunities to interact online with teacher and/or sangha I would love to see this	More opportunities to interact online with teacher and/or sangha I'd like to help make this happen
Getting Politically Engaged with Other Sangha Members	Getting Politically Engaged with Other Sangha Members I don't think we need this	Getting Politically Engaged with Other Sangha Members Feel neutral	Getting Politically Engaged with Other Sangha Members This would be nice	Getting Politically Engaged with Other Sangha Members I would love to see this	Getting Politically Engaged with Other Sangha Members I'd like to help make this happen

Other (please specify)

Question Title

* 9. What About People's Overall Experience of Bright Way?

Name three (or more) things that you think keeps people engaged in our community

Name three (or more) things that you think prevents people from getting more engaged in our community

Have you experienced, or do you think others have experienced, racism, bias, or prejudice at Bright Way, subtle or overt? If yes, please explain

What's something you would suggest to make our community more welcoming, inclusive, harmonious, and/or strong?

Question Title

* 10. Additional Comments and Information

Is there anything else we should consider as we plan for the future?

Your first name (optional)

Your last name (optional)

Your email address (optional)