Membership

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Those who are in the sangha [Shambhala community] are warriors, because they are trying to overcome samsara. Members of the sangha support one another and care for one another. They are not perfect, but they inspire us because they are people who want to deepen their practice of mindfulness, awareness and compassion. The sangha is also a container. When we practice together, the sangha helps our discipline. We realize that there are other people around who are going through the same thing. That gives us a feeling of encouragement.

– Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche, lineage holder of Shambhala

 

Register as a Shambhala Member here (not active links)

Becoming a member of any Shambhala Meditation Center is a statement about your personal inspiration, curiosity, and commitment to the path of awakening. It means participating in a global community of practitioners who aspire to relate to each other with honesty, warmth, and openness. We inspire one another to deepen our practice of mindfulness, awareness, and compassion.

Anyone interested in the Shambhala Meditation Center of Denver is welcome to become a member. Local membership includes membership in Shambhala, a global community committed to cultivating mindfulness, awareness and compassion―personally, culturally and within society.

 

Why does membership matter?

Although membership is not required to participate in much of what the Center has to offer, it is required for delving into more advanced programs.  Members support the Denver center, and all of Shambhala through their genuine offering.  Because of our community’s financial, practice, community and volunteer support, we are able to offer many wonderful programs, community opportunities, and events.  It is because of our members that the profound tradition of meditation is able to survive and flourish. Payment of membership dues is the financial backbone of our Shambhala Center, and the same could be said about each aspect of membership.

 

3 Aspects of Membership:

Practicing Meditation
By making a connection to meditation practice and integrating this into our daily life, we support Shambhala and others in a profound way.  It also is a powerful way to tame our minds and progress along the path of discovering basic goodness.

Volunteering
Primarily, the Shambhala global community functions by the generosity of volunteers. For each member to give our time and inspiration to the community is vital to the flourishing of our local and global community. Service is viewed as part of members’ practice. Please visit our Service to the Center page to sign up for particular center events and programs.

Financial Support
We rely on membership dues to pay our basic operating expenses and view financial generosity as part of our practice as well. The suggested Shambhala Center dues are $50 per month for Individuals and $75 for Couples/Families. Members are welcome to give more or less than these amounts as they feel inspired and are able.  The instruction is to consider what would feel like a “generous offering” for you, and give a little bit more.

 

What are the benefits of membership?

Connection with our community by becoming a member helps support your practice and strengthen your understanding of Shambhala Buddhism in many ways:

  • Ongoing meditation instruction with a Meditation Instructor
  • Access to the Shambhala Meditation Center of Denver Library
  • Frequent invitations to community events, programs, and classes
  • Eligibility for leadership positions at the Shambhala Meditation Center of Denver
  • Invitation to celebratory membership events
  • Membership pin
  • Membership in Shambhala’s world-wide network
  • Access to member resources at www.shambhala.org
  • (for Family Shambhala members) free access to Mindful Kids programs and invitation to Shambhala Family events

 

You may fill out the membership form online (using Pay-Pal) or hard-copy forms (using credit card, check, cash or direct deposit) are available at the center. 

Register as a Shambhala Member here (not active links)