Membership Levels
“As Bodhisattvas we make the fearless commitment to be awake for the benefit of everyone. This means we make the decision to work together in a community and share our experiences, our joys and our vision for an enlightened society. With the right amount of training we wake up to our potential and help energize others to do the same. Ultimately we cannot expect to heal the split within ourselves without offering ourselves to heal others.” ~ Lama Jinpa
Being Part of a Sangha
Whether you are a newcomer to Buddhism or have been practicing for years, at Lion’s Roar we like to say that we are all beginners. Lion’s Roar programs are designed to provide personally tailored teachings for the Western student for a global Sangha (community). Whether you are interested in simple calm-abiding meditation or more advanced Buddhist teachings there is a membership level just for you.
Visitors
Visitors are always welcomed at Lion’s Roar. This might include attending dharma talks, meditations, Mindful Recovery meetings and much more. You might just be investigating the role of a Buddhist practice in your life. No problem! Lion’s Roar is here to meet those needs. And if it feels right, you can help show support for Lion’s Roar programs through contributions to the dana (generosity) box.
General Members
At Lion’s Roar we are training for real life. As a member, you share Lion’s Roar’s vision and interest in creating an enlightened society and want to incorporate awareness and loving kindness principles into your own life. Our programs are designed to bring those principles into the community. As a member, you make a commitment to support and help fund community mindfulness classes and programs.
It’s not all serious stuff either. At Lion’s Roar we are also committed to having a little bit of fun. Your membership helps support Sangha activities like hiking day trips, books exchanges and potlucks.
- Share and support Lion’s Roar vision
- Volunteer to help with Lion’s Roar activities (Dharma Jobs),
- Participate in member-only activities
- Make regular monthly pledges to help support Lion’s Roar programs
Suggested minimum monthly donations is $40. Lion’s Roar offers over 30 events a month for everyone. Consider the value of our programs to the community and in your life when deciding what minimum pledge you would like to make a month. And don’t forget…Lion’s Roar has been a 501(c)3 non-profit church since 1998 and your monthly membership dues and any additional donations are tax deductible #68-0404269.
Your monthly support means a lot to us and helps us fund all the community programs we are able to provide.
Become a Member!
To become a member, please fill out a Lion’s Roar Membership Form and hand it to a Practice Leader or place inside the Dana Box. By signing up as a member, not only are you helping to support Lion’s Roar programs but you will receive monthly member announcement emails and invited to special events. You can go to our secure Pay Pal site linked below to set-up a recurring membership payment. If you have any questions about becoming a member please contact us at lionsroarmembership@gmail.com.
Refuge Members
“As we practice more and commit more to our practice, the climb gets a little bit harder but the view gets better.” ~ Lama Jinpa
For those who have committed to a personal Buddhist practice and follow the guidance of a teacher, they can make the decision to ‘take Refuge.’ When someone participates in a Refuge Ceremony they take the Bodhisattva Vows (the fearless commitment to wake up for benefit of others). Refuge members commit to follow certain modes of ethical and moral conduct such as no lying, no stealing, no killing, no sexual misconduct and no intoxicants. Easy right? Not necessarily, which is why Lion’s Roar takes this commitment seriously. Refuge is not for everyone, nor does it have to be.
When the Lama accepts a Refuge student he in turn also makes a commitment to provide personalized practice guidance and develop an honest and direct teacher-student relationship.
Some things Refuge members are expected to do:
- Attend all level of services as often as possible
- Develop a dedicated personal practice commitment
- Volunteer to help with Lion’s Roar activities (Dharma Jobs)
- Make regular monthly donations to help support programs
- Participate in monthly darshan (interviews) with the Lama. There is a direct and personal teacher/student relationship with the Lama and Refuge members are required to meet monthly with the Lama for guidance and direction
Suggested minimum monthly donations is $50 for Refuge Members. Lion’s Roar offers over 30 events a month for everyone, including more specific training for advanced students. Consider the value of our programs to the community and in your own life when deciding what minimum donation you would like to make a month.
For more information on taking Refuge please email contact Susan (Yeshe Zangmo) at info@lionsroardharmacenter.org. To make monthly donations, please go to our secure Pay Pal page linked below to set-up a reoccurring membership payment.
Your monthly support means a lot to us and helps us fund all the “Bodhisattva Training” programs we are able to provide. Thank You!