Peace Walks Dialogue Ret. The circle itself is a container for being in the present, manifesting just as we are in the truth of the moment. In the Practice Circle, the Oneness of Buddha is the teaching of Unknowing. Unknowing means that in this sphere of equality or sameness, we do not recognize any differences. It is the perspective of equanimity and tolerance, the broadest of all perspectives.
Most people come from a place of knowing, holding some kind of idea about themselves or a situation.
Once I led a circle for a sangha to discuss the problems they were having. A simple altar may be created in the center of the circle. We will often place a cloth, flower, candle, and one or more talking pieces. The center is a reminder of unknowing, that space in which we remain unbiased and open, relating to all things with equanimity. We are reminded that don't-know mind is the ground of being.