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Shambhala Center Membership
Many
of us, once we begin to feel a connection to the Austin Shambhala Meditation Center,
want to know: What's involved in becoming a member? How can I support the Center?
First of all, there is no requirement to join. Ever. Almost all of our activities
are open to anyone, though many classes and trainings do have prerequisites. Meditation
instruction, public meditation, and many of our introductory offerings are always
offered without charge, though donations are certainly appreciated.
That said, here is some information about membership. We are a growing community
of approximately 120 members, in Austin at our present location almost 30 years.
We sustain ourselves through dues and donations; our program and class fees go
primarily to those offerings. We are a member of the world-wide Shambhala mandala
of over 150 Shambhala Centers, meditation groups, and Land Centers (see www.shambhala.org),
and a percentage of Center income supports Shambhala International. Joining the
Austin Shambhala Meditation Center, one also joins the international Shambhala
mandala.
In joining the Austin Center, you commit to strengthening our community through
practice, financial giving, and service. Members should have a regular meditation
or contemplative practice, and an ongoing relationship with a Meditation Instructor
is recommended. As an almost all-volunteer organization, we rely on members to
assume most of the responsibilities in keeping our Center vital: housekeeping,
building and lawn maintenance, committee membership, supporting our varied class
and program offerings, and so on.
The suggested monthly contribution is $45 individual, and $80 family, though members may
contribute greater or lesser amounts depending on financial circumstances. Honoring the
commitment to a regular financial contribution is paramount, allowing us to plan and
meet our obligations. We recommend that auto-withdrawal accounts be set up through
the Ashoka Credit Union, though other donation methods are acceptable.
Members receive a key to the Center, if requested, allowing anytime access,
and an encouragement to come and practice, making the Center a spiritual home
away from home. A number of classes and programs offer discount pricing to members
in good standing.
For more information or to become a member, contact George Hasty, Membership Coordinator.
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