Dharma Rain Zen Center - Membership

Membership

Dragon Circle We would like to invite you to consider membership in the Dharma Rain Zen Center. Membership represents commitment to the Sangha and the Buddhist training that the Sangha embodies. Membership is required to vote for the members of Board of Directors and on any other issues that come up for a vote. Some classes and events are only open to members. In addition to Full Member, there are five categories of membership, based on amount contributed each year.

DRZC is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization.

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Full Member

A Full Member:

  • has been pledging at any of the specified levels for one year, and
  • has done Lay Ordination, and
  • attends Zen Center functions regularly.

Some Zen Center offices and events are restricted to Full Members.

 

Membership Categories

Benefactor

A Benefactor is a member pledging $100 per month or more. Privileges are the same as for Supporting Members and Sustaining Members. Benefactors are investing in the long term development of Dharma Rain Zen Center. This development will improve on the resources we already have, and ensure their continued availability to the growing number of people seeking the Dharma in the greater Portland area.

 

Sustaining Member

A Sustaining Member pledges $75-$99 per month. Privileges are the same as for Supporting Members, with the extra money given helping the Center keep the fees for retreats and other events low, and to continue providing classes and workshops free of charge to the general community.

 

Supporting Member

A Supporting Member pledges $50-$74 per month. This is the basic level of Center membership, in that contributions at this level are enough to keep the facilities open and to help support the priests and other essential staff. Privileges include member access to the library, and more substantial discounts on fee events and some bookshop items.

 

Center Friend

A Center Friend pledges $30-$49 per month. Pledges at this level help cover our basic expenses such as mortgage, utilities, mailing costs and general supplies. Privileges include member access to the library and discounts on fee events and some bookshop items.

 

Associate Member

An Associate Member pledges $10-$29 per month or a lump sum of $100 for one year. This category is primarily for students and others with limited income, but is also for those who may be less involved, yet wish to make a contribution to the Center. Privileges include member access to the library.

 

The Zen Center offers one-on-one assistance in the form of Practice Advisors to all members, whether new to Zen practice or just new to Dharma Rain. Practice Advisors are Lay Disciples who can either meet with you or chat over the phone or by e-mail to answer your questions. They can help you find your way into the community or answer questions about terminology or explain who’s who at Dharma Rain. They are ready to answer basic practice questions about sitting practice and retreat forms, and are ready to discuss lots of the other questions and concerns that come up in practice. Deeper matters or personal concerns they will refer to the priests, but working with a Practice Advisor is a great way to get more comfortable with life at the Zen Center. If interested, contact the Center, and we will connect you with the practice advisor coordinator.

 

Lay Ordination

Lay Ordination is a ceremony in which one formally takes the Precepts and becomes a Buddhist.

Lay Ordination is not required for membership in the Zen Center, nor is membership required to receive the Precepts and become a Buddhist. The Center holds the Precept ceremony once each year at Jukai. If you are interested in becoming a Buddhist, contact the Center.

If you would like to become a member of the Zen Center, click here.

 

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