Membership (old)

Sonora Meditation Group exists to make available the Shambhala teachings and practice of meditation to all who are interested. We are sustained by the generosity of those who are naturally aligned with this purpose; we rely on the spirit of commitment and service that characterize the Shambhala way in action.

While it is not necessary to be a member to participate in the programs and meditation practices of Sonora Meditation Group, the option to contribute financially reflects a level of commitment to your path of awakening and its application of the teachings for your life. It evokes a deeper connection to a community of practitioners who aspire to relate to each other with honesty, warmth and openness, and insures that the message of basic goodness, kindness, compassion and peace reach those who are looking for it. In short, membership enlivens and expands your sense of generosity for service to a greater good in the larger community.


 

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 Sonora Meditation Group 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

All programs and activities of our Group have a “generosity policy”: people pay what they can in accordance with their circumstances. Membership is no different. Our intention is for people to receive and participate regardless of their ability to pay. In the Buddhist tradition, there is the notion of dana: this means, “voluntary appreciation”, “generosity” or giving from the heart. Please consider membership in this light.

      Membership Commitment

  • Pledges can be made on a monthly, quarterly or annual basis.
  • Contemplate what is right for you. Generosity generates generosity and opens the heart and mind to receiving the benefits of giving. Be willing to receive.
  • Declare this for one year.

 

Fill out 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 our Group has to offer, without our community’s financial and volunteer support, we would not be able to offer the 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 Group.

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
  • Membership pin
  • Automatic membership in Shambhala’s world-wide network
  • Access to member resources at www.shambhala.org
  • Strengthening our local community here in the Sierra Foothills with the presence of Shambhala

 

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