Membership

Let us cultivate a culture of kindness. In that moment we are determining the outcome of the world. - Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche

Shambhala is a global network of people who have confidence in the fundamental goodness and worthiness of humanity, and the power of that goodness to shift the social and environmental dynamics of our planet. Everyone is welcome to attend community events and programs – there is no requirement to become a member in order to participate, though advanced classes and trainings do have prerequisites. Meditation instruction, public meditation, and some introductory offerings are available without charge, though donations are certainly appreciated. As we become more involved, membership offers a way to practice generosity. It is a gesture of support to Shambhala principles and practices, and is expressed in the following four areas:

1. The Practice of Community/Society: Shambhala is a community that practices the teachings on basic goodness, and explores and develops a culture within our communities that embodies that profound principle. Membership offers active engagement in contemplating and building a different kind of society altogether.

2. Meditation Practice: A member of Shambhala makes a connection to mindfulness-awareness practice, and works to integrate that practice into daily life in order to create a foundation for healthy social relationships and an enlightened society. This connection may also be made through contemplative practices based on mindfulness-awareness.

3. Volunteer Service: A large majority of Shambhala activities are conducted by volunteers, and there are many ways to help. Members donate time to the local center based on their interests and personal availability.

4. Financial Support: Shambhala is sustained through dues and donations. When you become a member, your financial contributions support the maintenance and growth of our center as well as the international Shambhala community.

Membership is open to anyone from any background, culture, faith or walk of life – all are welcome! If you would like to become a member, or have questions about membership, contact our membership coordinator.

Becoming a member of the Shambhala Meditation Center is a statement about your personal inspiration, curiosity, and commitment to the path of awakening. It means participating in a 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. We also provide each other an opportunity to practice compassion and patience.

We invite anyone interested in our Shambhala Centre to consider becoming a member. Becoming a member of our Centre simultaneously brings membership in Shambhala, a global community committed to cultivating mindfulness, awareness and compassion―personally and in society.

---

 

Membership is a way to express appreciation for what Shambhala provides and help make it available to others. This involves three areas of engagement and support:

Practicing meditation

Making a connection to mindfulness-awareness meditation or related contemplative practice and integrating this practice into daily life is considered the best way for members to support Shambhala and benefit the world and ourselves.

Volunteering

All of the work of our Centre and much of the work of the Shambhala global community is done by volunteers. Giving our time and talents to the work of the community is a vital form of support and viewed as part of members’ practice.

Providing financial support

We rely on membership dues to pay our basic operating expenses and view financial giving as part of our practice as well. Suggested Kootenay Shambhala Centre dues are $40 per month, and the suggested level of support to the Shambhala global mandala is $10 per month. Members are welcome to give more or less than these amounts as they feel inspired.

 

Fill our our membership form online and our membership coordinator will be in touch with you.

 

Why does membership matter?

Although membership is not required to participate in much of what the Center has to offer, without our community’s financial and volunteer support, we would not be able to offer all the wonderful programs, practice sessions, and events that we do.  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.

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:

• Members receive ongoing meditation instruction with a personal meditation instructor
• Members are invited to community events, programs, and classes, and receive discounts for some programs
• Membership pin
• Automatic membership in Shambhala’s world-wide network
• Access to member resources at www.shambhala.org

 

Those who are in the sangha 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