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meditation retreat at Zen Buddhist Temple

MEMBERSHIP

Ananda said to the Buddha:

“Half of this holy life, Lord, is good and noble friends, companionship with the good, association with the good.”

“Do not say that Ananda. It is the whole of this holy life, this friendship, this companionship, this association with the good.”

Types of Membership

 

Regular Members:

  • Have completed the Introductory Meditation Courses.

  • Meditate regularly at home.

  • Attend temple as often as you can (daily temple practice, Wednesday evening membership sitting, Sunday services).

  • Help out with special events at the temple if possible.

  • Suggested Monthly donation of minimum $50

 

Regular members can stay overnight Saturdays for early Sunday morning membership sitting. The temple is always available to Regular members as a place of meditation and Dharma practice.

General Members:

Those who attend the Sunday services regularly or occasionally and would like to support the temple on a regular basis, can become general member. Suggested Monthly donation of minimum $30.

Membership Registration

First, decide the type of membership. If you wish to become a "Regular" member, be sure to take the Introductory Meditation Course or Beginner's Zen Retreat.

Then, fill out the Membership Registration Form and send it along with your first membership donation. If you would like to arrange an automatic giving plan: Toronto/NYC/Ann Arbor members, please visit the Registration Page; Chicago/Mexico members, please contact your temple

 

 

Membership Donation

 

Donations and offerings are an expression of deep gratitude that one feels towards the teachings of Enlightenment and wisdom. Dana (generosity) and the supporting of spiritual causes (transmission of Dharma) have been important Buddhist practices which have kept the light of Buddha wisdom shining through successive generations. Your temple’s Dharma work relies on generosity of the Sangha (community). Members are committed to regular giving in order to sustain the temple. Please consider giving more than the minimum required donation as your means and circumstances allow. Members are encouraged to sign up for an automatic giving plan or provide post-dated checks to ensure continuity of giving. All donations are tax-deductible. Toronto/NYC/Ann Arbor members can sign up for automatic giving plan from the Registration Page.

Temple Schedule for Regular Members

* Please check with your local temple for service schedule which may vary depending on location.

Daily Morning Practice (Monday to Friday)

  • 5:30-6:00 am: exercise/yoga/jogging

  • 6:00-6:20 am: 108 Prostrations

  • 6:20-6:50 am: Meditation

  • 6:50-7:10 am: Yebul (homage to Buddhas) & Naong Sunim's Resolutions

Daily Evening Practice

  • 6:30-7:00 pm: Meditation

  • 7:00-7:05 pm: Evening Bell Chant

  • 7:05-7:25 pm: Yebul and Heart Sutra (Sino-Korean)

 

Wednesday Membership Practice
 

  • 6:30-7:00 pm: Meditation

  • 7:00-7:25 pm: Evening Bell Chant & Yebul

  • 7:25-7:55 pm: Meditation

  • 7:55-8:10 pm: Walking Meditation

  • 8:10-8:40 pm: Meditation/Interview

  • 8:40-8:50 pm: Song of Meditation

Sunday Morning

  • 6:00-6:30 am: Wakeup & Exercise

  • 6:30-6:40 am: 36 Prostrations

  • 6:40-7:10 am: Meditation

  • 7:10-7:30 am: Yebul/Refuge

 

 

Membership Meetings

Twice a year each temple organizes membership meetings in small groups with teachers. Check your local temple calendar for the next meeting dates.

 

The purpose is threefold:

  • for the teachers to learn from members' situation and have a better understanding of members' Buddhist practice

  • to allow members to share their experiences and learn from each other

  • to gain insight into our Dharma work and relate to the pan-Buddhist movement in the West.

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