We welcome you to join our order as a member. There are several categories of members detailed below along with the specific criteria associated with each category.
Regular Members
- Have completed the Introductory Meditation Courses.
- Meditate regularly at home.
- Attend center as often as you can (daily temple practice, Wednesday evening membership sitting, Sunday services).
- Help out with special events at the temple if possible.
- Monthly donation of minimum $40.
Regular members can stay overnight Saturdays for early Sunday morning membership sitting. The center 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 like to support the temple on a regular basis, can become general member. Monthly donation of minimum $20.
Membership Donation
The Zen Buddhist Order relies on your regular membership donations. 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. All donations and offerings are tax-deductible.
Member Practices
Daily Practice
- 5:30-6:00 am: exercise/yoga/jogging
- 6:00-6:15 am: 108 Prostrations
- 6:15-6:45 am: Meditation
- 6:45-7:10 am: Yebul (homage to Buddhas)
- 6:30-7:00 pm: Meditation
- 7:00-7:05 pm: Evening Bell Chant
- 7:05-7:25 pm: Yebul and Heart Sutra
Membership Sitting
Wednesdays 6:30-8:30pm
- 6:30-7:00 pm: Meditation
- 7:00-7:30 pm: Evening Bell Chant & Yebul
- 7:30-7:55 pm: Meditation
- 7:55-8:05 pm: Rest/Walking Meditation
- 8:05-8:30 pm: Meditation/Interview
- 8:30-8:45 pm: Heart Sutra
Sundays 6:00-8:00 am
- 6:00-6:30 am: Wakeup & Exercise
- 6:30-7:00 am: Meditation/Interview
- 8:25-8:30 am: Yebul /Refuge
Membership Meetings
Twice a year each temple organizes membership meetings in small groups with teachers. 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; and
- to gain insight into our Dharma work.
All members(practicing and non-practicing) are encouraged to attend the membership meeting.