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Shambhala Center Membership Everyone is invited to become a member of the St. Johns Shambhala Meditation Group. The Group is a community of practitioners who practice and study together, help each other, and together organize programs and activities based on the Shambhala Buddhist teachings. Membership is an opportunity to express appreciation for what the Group provides and to help make it available to others.
If our energy is engaged and we trust each other and ourselves as a community, then we naturally want to extend our generosity with whatever means we have available. In practical terms, that means that as members, we express our connection by practicing, participating, and providing financial support, all according to our time, energy and resources. Anyone who makes this connection and wishes to be a member of the St. Johns Shambhala Group should feel completely welcome, and never feel obstructed because of limitations of time, energy, or money.
Becoming a member of the St. Johns Shambhala Meditation Group is a statement of ones personal commitment to the path of Shambhala Buddhism. Becoming a member of the local group automatically brings membership in Shambhala worldwide. The following definition of membership was developed by Shambhala International:
A member of Shambhala makes a connection to mindfulness-awareness practice, and works to integrate that practice into daily life. As part of the global mandala of Shambhala, members are dedicated to creating enlightened society. We help to do this through individual and group practice, by supporting the mandala financially, and by sharing in the tasks and responsibilities of manifesting Shambhala vision.
Membership is open to anyone who is ready to express this inspiration and commitment by supporting the community in three main ways:
- We are willing to undertake regular mindfulness-awareness practice. This is the best way for all of us to support our Shambhala communities, our world, and ourselves.
- We are willing to donate our time and energy to various tasks the Shambhala community needs accomplished. Providing service to the group is viewed as part of our practice.
- We are willing to give regular financial support to our Shambhala community, based on our income and other financial obligations. Providing financial support is also viewed as part of our practice.
If you are able to commit to these three things, please consider becoming a member.
Other Benefits
Membership for some dignifies their aspiration to practice, study, and connect further with the teachings of Shambhala, and is a formal statement of ones affiliation with the Shambhala community. Other benefits include:
- A beautiful membership pin
- No annual fee to use the Library
- Having access to the members area on our website and at shambhala.org
- All members will have a meditation instructor belonging to the Shambhala Buddhist tradition
- Being part of a worldwide organization with access to sangha networks
- Members who have joined within the past year will be formally recognized each Shambhala Day.
One is not required to be a member of the St. Johns Shambhala Meditation Group in order to participate in our sanghas activities, so long as program prerequisites are met. Non-members are also encouraged to support the sangha through volunteering and financial contributions.
Financial Contributions
Financially supporting the sangha is practicing generosity, the virtue that produces peace. The most important issue for the Group is the regularity of the payments, not the amount. This helps tremendously for budget and planning purposes.
It may be helpful to consider $20 a month as a suggested guideline. Those who can pay more are encouraged to do so. However, there is no amount that is too small - it is important your commitment be one that you can pay joyously and readily.
Monthly automatic withdrawals are the best method to donate. Donations are tax-deductible. Contact Debbie McGee regarding becoming a member.
Photo by D. Deibel
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