Sakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism - the Sakya Monastery of ...

Membership at SakyaMonasteryTHE COMMUNITY AND THE OPPORTUNITYSakya Monastery of Tibetan Buddhism is a spiritual community andcultural center led by renowned lamas from Tibet. It is dedicated tothe realization and practice of wisdom, loving-kindness andcompassion in order to nurture and bring happiness to all beings.Sakya Monastery has several resident monks, but the sangha(community) is largely composed of lay members. Sanghamembers actively embrace patience, kindness, generosity, andpeace in their lives.HOW TO COME AMEMBERLay membership is open toall. There is no statement offaith or creed whichmembers must make. Tojoin and become a memberof Sakya Monastery, go tothe membership page atwww.sakya.org/membership for moreinformation.As a lay member, you enjoy the rare and extraordinary privilege ofstudying and practicing Tibetan Buddhism directly under theguidance of lamas who were trained in traditional Tibet before theChinese occupation (1959). Dagchen Rinpoche, the founder andleader of the Monastery, is highly qualified to bestow Buddha’s mostimportant oral teachings and transmissions. He is the eldest nonsectarianTibetan Buddhist master living today.Sakya Monastery is a non-sectarian Buddhist community,supportive of all the various schools within Tibetan Buddhism. Itoffers opportunities for community meditations on compassion twicea week, observances of Buddhist holy days, monthly tantric rituals,and periodic initiations to advance one’s spiritual practice.THE FOUR FRIENDSThe Buddhist fable of the Four Friends—the alliance of an elephant,monkey, hare, and partridge who work together in order to reachfruit on a tree—is a delightful reminder of the synergistic nature ofcommunity. When harmony, cooperation, and collaboration arepresent, individuals benefit as well as the community.Providing financial support to the monastery makes you a member.You are instrumental in building a foundation for the well-being ofthe community. You can also contribute to the physical and spiritualenvironment by electing to volunteer your time and skills.SPECIAL BENEFITS OF MEMBERSHIP• Priority registration for special events• Borrowing privileges at the Sakya Monastery’s Library• Discounts for Dharma activities at Sakya Monastery• Discounts for Virupa Educational Institute programs• Discounts at the Tara Meditation Center• Voting privileges at our annual meeting• Knowing that you are helping to support one of the leadingTibetan Buddhist centers in the world.Page 25Membership at Sakya Monastery17