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SANGHA TRANSIT
January 11, 2026 / Leave a Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
Dear Friends,
About 40 years ago, I began our newsletter, the Sangha. It was a labor of love so that I could keep in touch with my Spiritually-oriented friends (hence, the Sangha). I want to express my gratitude for those of you who have kept in touch (one way or another)! I am so appreciative of you!
It may be time close this endeavor, and so I do now.
May we all continue in Love and Peace,
Doroethy
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Dear Sangha,
We have decided to discontinue the SANGHA newsletter and transition to other media.
Doroethy founded the SANGHA in April, 1979, as a “vehicle for sharing communications” among those who wish to explore the spiritual world—who have a sense of the sacred or transcendent. Ramana Maharshi noted that “the first, easiest and most obvious assistance toward an individual’s private efforts is the simple association with others making the same attempt.” Although there is a natural overlap with Franklin and his philosophy, the group is not sectarian. Franklin says of his own work that it is freely offered—take what you wish.
I began contributing to the SANGHA a few years later, and for many years served as copy editor. As rewarding as our efforts have been, Doroethy and I now sense that this is the time to release the structure of the newsletter so as to allow a natural transition to take place to contemporary media—the Friends of Franklin Merrell-Wolff facebook (Meta), the Franklin Merrell-Wolff website (www.franklinmerrell-wolff.com), etc.
New technologies and circumstances make this transition timely. Initially, distribution was “low tech”—paper files, typing, copying, stuffing, stamping and mailing. Responses by “snail mail” made communications cumbersome and lacked immediacy.
The internet, computers, and cell phones made distribution more immediate, but still limited by a quarterly deadline, and a list with multiple email addresses. The standard newsletter format is burdensome to compose and may be too structured for many recipients.
Transition to a website and social media will allow material to be of appropriate length, well-organized and permanent. Online groups (meta, etc.) allow more flexibility, immediacy and diversity of postings and interaction. Naturally, personal email will still be available for individual contact.
Shine on,
Love and Light,
Ron
Here’s the new rule: Break the wineglass and fall toward the glassblower’s breath.—Rumi
2025 Franklin Merrell-Wolff Conference Report
June 30, 2025 / Leave a Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
2025 FMW Conference Report
Perspectives on Death & Dying
Ahhhh…the wonders of nature! This year, nary a moth, and the bees have relocated themselves elsewhere, visiting only to drink from the channels diverting seepage water from the Main House.
The weather was even better than last year’s, proving that there are degrees of perfection!
There was a marked shift in the composition of the group—including a young East-Indian from the Bay Area. The new orientation turned out to be more appropriate for the reorientation from last year’s theme—shifting from Compassion to Death. Astrologically, air signs retained a plurality, but an increased overall balance between the 4 elements provided much needed stability and resiliency, while retaining the previous conference’s attentiveness and participation. Doroethy’s family upped their game, providing superlative support beyond great meals, for which we were all grateful.
James & Jessica expanded their support well beyond James’s chili by shopping for and preparing lunches & dinners, and cleanup. Much appreciated! Also, James’ demonstrated his invaluable skill in troubleshooting power & water problems at the A-Frame Complex, and solving electrical problems at the Main House and Trailer.
Tom McFarlane returned after several years as Keynote Speaker, talking about Impermanence and how to realize it. It is an underappreciated truism that everything that has a beginning has an end. Living organisms have a limited lifespan; physical features on the planet change continuously—albeit often imperceptibly; even the universe is expected to end in a ‘heat death’ trillions of years from now.
Further reflection reveals the truth of Dependent Origination—the pervasive interdependence of everything that arises. What, then, dies? As we investigate phenomena, any attempt to isolate an object demonstrates our attribution of its characteristics and naming by Conceptual Imputation—not found to be intrinsic to the object. We must therefore withdraw our habitual reification of objects and acknowledge their ‘emptiness’—they are not Self-existent.
Ron Leonard explored The Effects of Beliefs About Death from philosophical, psychological and religious perspectives, which Franklin regarded as the three central modes of inquiry. For clarity, the effects of death on others was not at issue. There are four primary beliefs concerning what happens following death:
- A return to a state of non-existence,
- A transition to an afterlife,
- A transformation into another form of existence, or
- A temporary disembodied state awaiting return to the world in another physical form—reincarnation, or rebirth.
For simplicity, more creative or exotic possibilities may be ignored.
Exploring these beliefs about death shows how they affect individuals’ lives, their values, choices and sense of meaning and purpose. Understanding beliefs about the end of life thus enriches and shapes our lives.
Doroethy Leonard drew upon her decades studying Jungian Psychology and participation on the Board of The Friends of CG Jung for her presentation/workshop on the Shadow: Do You Know where Your Shadow Is? The key to discovering one’s own Shadow is in identifying characteristics and behavior in others that personally has an emotional charge for oneself. However, the Shadow is a Collective Archetype, not only personal. Consequently, we also find group Shadows—from families to nations. She noted that the Shadow may be positive—the Golden Shadow—as well as negative, or neutral.
Jessica Roberts, showing her ability as a professional therapist, conducted a Death Café for our Saturday evening Special Event, including tea and cake. This successfully invited a free, mostly unstructured, conversation discussing ideas about death, and personal experiences & beliefs relating to dying—including encountering the threshold of death in Near-Death Experience. The traditional Candlelight Ceremony was an appropriate ending for this evening’s gathering.
In the mornings, sharing and discussing our favorite quotes from Franklin revealed ideas and insights of interest related to aspects of his philosophy. However, just as Franklin did not want his students to become one-sided, we also shared and discussed quotations from other sources that we found inspiring. The Dream and Tarot Circles were exceptionally well-attended. The content was significant and rewarding, but of a nature too personal to share.
The Sunday Morning Meeting began with Brahms’ “German Requiem,” followed by a recording by Franklin on Death that induced a lively, multifaceted discussion. Baiba Strads then conducted the Closing Ceremony by introducing a new thematic dance/prayer—“Return Again,” followed by our favorite dance/invocation for Healing.
[For the Group Photo, see Friends of Franklin Merrell-Wolff Facebook Page on Meta.]
2025 FMW CONFERENCE
April 02, 2025 / Leave a Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
2025 FRANKLIN MERRELL-WOLFF CONFERENCE
Perspectives on Death and Dying
Great Space Center, Lone Pine, CA
June 12-15, 2025
Thomas McFarlane, MA; MSc (Keynote Speaker)—Realizing Impermanence
Just as our individual body was born, so too it must die. Resistance to this truth of impermanence is a profound source of suffering. Realizing this truth not only can relieve this suffering, but it can also reveal the non-dual truth that transcends birth and death completely. In this presentation, we will explore these teachings and investigate practices to realizing them.
Ron Leonard, PhD—The Effects of Beliefs About Death
Death is uniquely personal and quite unavoidable. Our beliefs about death—even if unreflective or inarticulate—inevitably influence how we live and how we die. We shall consider some salient examples before discussing our personal understanding of death and how it has affected our own lives.
Doroethy Leonard, MA; M.Ed.—Do You Know Where Your Shadow Is?
Where is your personal shadow? How would you recognize it? Do you know? How do you know? Do you participate in a collective shadow? Let’s explore this. Will treat this exploration gently. If you have a journal or notebook, please bring it to our session.
Special Features—Thursday evening we shall gather in the Main House at 7:30 to become (re)acquainted and share…& get the precise schedule for the presentations, other events and meal support.
Friday morning will begin with a dream circle and Saturday morning a tarot reading, having both personal and collective significance. Bring a dream—preferably recent—that you feel is spiritually significant to you, or to the group—especially one that C.G. Jung would call a Big Dream. Non-dreamers are also welcome.
Both mornings, after a break for breakfast, be prepared to discuss with the group a quotation, concept, notion or experience that you have found particularly personally meaningful. Please also bring your copy of Experience and Philosophy.
On Saturday evening—a Special Program (TBA), followed by a Candlelight Ceremony.
The traditional Sunday morning meeting follows the format that Franklin and Sherifa used for many years. (Many dress more formally.) The theme will be Death and Dying, followed by discussion. After the Closing Ceremony (Baiba Strads), we shall share a noon potluck and group photo.
As usual, we expect to enjoy communal meals and stimulating “round table” discussions. With the support of Jennifer, James & Jessica, Doroethy will arrange to provide breakfast, lunch & dinner on Friday & Saturday during our program. Sunday lunch is potluck.
Cost: $195 (still trying to hold the line, despite inflation), includes room and board. $100 discount for first-time attendees. There is a $25 reduction for camping here in the Great Space, with outdoor propane shower available (Works!), or for staying elsewhere. Some scholarships are available upon request.
Please register ASAP: Doroethy@cox.net or 602-663-2322; alternatively, email Ron (pleroma9@cox.net) or phone 480-395-5023. After you register, a $50 deposit confirms your space. Doroethy will let you know where to send the check. Map & directions available upon registration. We will help to coordinate transportation, if possible.
2024 Franklin Merrell-Wolff Conference Report
October 19, 2024 / Leave a Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
Although not originally intended, we came to appreciate the coincidence of the dates for this year’s FMW Conference with the Summer Solstice and the Full Moon. Ron also especially resonates with this time of year, echoing the effect of a notable conference in years past….
What a difference from last year! No one saw a single moth in the Main House…and the bees that have taken up residence in the outside north wall only provided a soothing hummm, but went about their business as we went about ours.
Perfect weather! The weather gods waited until after all had left to bring in T-storms…which were predicted to continue every day for a week.
The group felt exceptionally close. Astrologically, half were air signs, which seems to have had the effect of inducing a high degree of joy, humor and flexibility. There was also an extraordinary degree of attentiveness and participation. Doroethy’s family was well represented, providing familiarity & support.
Her daughter Jennifer Young stepped into the role of keynote speaker with grace and confidence. Her approach involved the group in a multifaceted discussion of quotes on compassion chosen at random. Much of this involved revealing personal stories and insights. Although each had the option of passing on the question, or answering someone else’s question, everyone chose to engage with sensitivity and authenticity, enhancing compassion within the group.
Ron drew the question, “Is there ever a situation where compassion is not appropriate?” Upon reflection—a qualified No: It is still appropriate to feel compassion toward an attacker, though prudence requires that our primary focus be on self-defense. He also introduced the Tibetan notion of near/far enemies. The far enemy of compassion would be hatred; the near enemy is pity. Genuine compassion is based on empathy for a fellow sentient being; pity assumes an attitude of superiority based on a felt distance.
Doroethy Leonard revealed much of her personal biographical history in elaborating the significance and influence on her life that Franklin’s gift of Carl G. Jung’s Memories, Dreams, Reflections had for her. Franklin advised his students to read Jung and Sri Aurobindo as alternative sources of wisdom so as to avoid becoming one-sided. Doroethy not only read and studied them for decades, she participated in founding the Phoenix Friends of Jung, serving multiple terms as Program Chair and President.
Ron Leonard clarified the difference between Introceptualism and Panpsychism, insofar as both are oriented to consciousness. David Chalmers, a philosopher of mind, showed a logical progression from Materialism through Dualism & Panpsychism to end in Idealism. Franklin made a critique of the schools of his day: Naturalism (incl. Materialism), Neo-Realism, Pragmatism & Idealism, ordering them from least to most orientated to consciousness. He places his philosophy of Introceptualism beyond Idealism. Ron gave brief summaries & critiques.
Throughout history we find numerous versions of Panpsychism, but a simplified definition would be that every element in the universe (or the universe itself) has some degree of consciousness, mind, soul, or spirit. This contrasts with Franklin’s non-dualistic Realization of THAT as symbolized by the Great Space, or Consciousness without-an-object and without-a-subject. Franklin denies that there is anything that may be determined as strictly unconscious. Panpsychism views consciousness as an element or property of the universe. Thus, it differs crucially from Franklin’s view of Primordial Consciousness as ultimate, Transcending the subject-object structure. Whereas Materialism is obviously the far enemy of Introceptualism, we can now see Panpsychism as the near enemy.
In the mornings, sharing and discussing our favorite quotes from Franklin was invaluable as it revealed ideas and insights of interest related to aspects of his philosophy. At a conference, it is a mode that we found much more appropriate than intensive reading of the text, which is better designed for an ongoing study group.
Baiba Strads varied the Closing Ceremony by introducing a ritual from the Christian tradition, invoking the Divinity within the body. A first—all attendees participated. We also continued the Healing Circle, Dream & Tarot Circles, all of which allowed for confidential sharing of deeply personal material.
James & Jessica expanded their support by shopping for, and preparing, lunches & dinners, including James’s chili. Much appreciated! Also, troubleshooting a water problem for the Guest House, they located an 8-inch root that had clogged the line. Kudos!
Jennifer not only stepped up to be Keynote Speaker, but provided much needed practical assistance during the conference. Jessica also supported Jennifer in that role as speaker. By their actions during recent years, they have demonstrated their dedication and commitment. Consequently, Doroethy acknowledged and expressed her gratitude for Jennifer, James & Jessica (what Ron has affectionately called the J-Team) taking on increased responsibility.
2024 FRANKLIN MERRELL-WOLFF CONFERENCE
March 28, 2024 / Leave a Comment / Trackback / Posted in News
REALIZING COMPASSION
Dates: Thursday, June 20—Sunday, June 23, 2024
Location: Great Space Center, Lone Pine, CA
Jennifer Young, MC, LPC (Keynote Speaker)—Compassion
FMW writes so beautifully in his poem, “Sweet are Thou, unutterably sweet, melting within me all hardness; Stirring inclusion of the low as the high; evil as the good; the weak as the strong; the unclean as the pure; the violent as the considerate; none left out…” In a world so full of adversity and historical trauma, this ideal becomes increasingly difficult to attain. Should there be limits to compassion? The ego is so often vilified. Perhaps the goal is to begin to embrace all parts of ourselves with compassion, including our ego.
Ron Leonard, PhD—Panpsychism and Introceptualism
Because both Panpsychism and Introceptualism emphasize consciousness, it is easy to confuse them. It is therefore worthwhile to carefully distinguish between them to clarify Franklin’s philosophy. After defining Panpsychism and understanding why it has been so appealing throughout the ages, we shall contrast it to Franklin’s philosophy and why the latter is more firmly grounded.
Doroethy Leonard, MA, MC—Franklin Merrell-Wolff and Carl G. Jung
In Franklin’s library was a 1926 edition of Carl Jung’s Psychological Types. In 1963, Franklin sent me a copy of Jung’s Memories, Dreams, Reflections, and my life became profoundly enriched. I changed the ways I saw myself and others. I will share my experience at our summer conference. There will be questions.
Special Features—Thursday evening we shall gather in the Main House at 7:30 for the Opening Ceremony, and to become (re)acquainted and share.
Friday morning (7:30 sharp) will begin with a dream circle and Saturday morning (7:30 sharp) a tarot reading, having both personal and collective significance. Bring a dream—preferably recent—that you feel is spiritually significant to you, or to the group—especially one that C.G. Jung would call a Big Dream. Non-dreamers are also welcome. Both mornings, after a break for breakfast, we shall discuss selected quotations from Franklin’s writings. Please bring your copy of Experience and Philosophy, and be prepared to discuss with the group a quotation that you have found particularly personally meaningful.
On Saturday evening—a Special Program (TBA), followed by a Candlelight Ceremony.
The traditional Sunday morning meeting follows the format that Franklin and Sherifa used for many years. (Many dress more formally.) The theme will be Compassion. Following the Closing Ceremony (Baiba Strads) we share a noon potluck.
We remain committed to continuing the tradition that Franklin and Sherifa began 94 years ago, in 1930. As usual, we shall enjoy communal meals and stimulating “round table” discussions. Doroethy will arrange to provide breakfast, lunch & dinner Friday & Saturday during our program; Sunday lunch is potluck.
Cost: $195 (still holding the line, despite inflation), includes room and board. There is a $25 reduction for camping here in the Great Space, with outdoor propane shower available (Still working great!), or for staying elsewhere. Some scholarships are available upon request.
A $50 deposit confirms your space ASAP; please send checks to Doroethy Leonard at:
5825 N 12th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
A map and directions are available upon registration; a detailed program will be provided upon arrival. We will help to coordinate transportation, if possible. For information, email Doroethy@cox.net or phone 602-663-2322; alternatively, email Ron (pleroma9@cox.net) or phone 480-395-5023.