Sangha Membership at Lion's Roar Dharma Center

How to Become a Member

We are open to new members! If you are interested in Sangha Membership, please start coming to the calendared meetings and get to know the group. Know that you are welcome. Sangha is an intentional community of Buddhist practitioners.

The Sangha is composed of ~

• The Arya Sangha — the enlightened Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of all time

• The Four Fold Sangha — Bhikshu and Bhikshuni (Monks and Nuns) as well as Upasaka and Upasika (male and female householders who take Refuge and hold the Five Precepts).

In the Mahayana or Great Way tradition, the Sangha is committed to becoming free and happy and helping others to overcome suffering as well. The Sangha is organized around the principle of Bodhicitta – the Spirit of Awakening. We are here to have the same experience that Shakyamuni Buddha had and has been transmitted by Masters for over 2500 years.

The structure of the Sangha is both hierarchical and democratic. It is a hierarchy through our lineage of experience and insight. It is democratic in the sense that we all have a voice in the Sangha, and we all share responsibility in maintaining the Sangha.

• Seekers and Visitors — people who attend lectures, meditations, retreats and are investigating the role of Buddhist practice in their lives.

• Associate Members — people who are actively exploring the Buddhist path and want to support the Lama and the Sangha. They make regular monthly pledges and participate in Sangha activities.

• Sangha Members — people who have committed to Buddhist practice and completed the Refuge Ceremony. Full Members volunteer service to the Temple, make a regular monthly dana pledges. There is a personal teacher/student relationship with the Lama.