About Membership

We’re delighted that you’re considering Membership at Portland Shambhala!

Membership is a way to support what Shambhala provides and help make it available to others. Although membership is not required to participate in much of what Portland Shambhala has to offer, without our community’s financial and volunteer support, we would not be able to offer all the wonderful programs, practice sessions, and events that we do. Thanks to our members, the profound tradition of meditation is able to survive and flourish. Payment of membership dues is the financial backbone of our Shambhala Center.

There are four aspects of formal membership in Shambhala:

  1. The Practice of Community / Society: Shambhala is a community that practices the teachings on basic goodness, and explores and develops a culture within our communities that embodies that profound principle. Membership invites active engagement in contemplating and building a different kind of society altogether.
  2. Meditation Practice: A member of Shambhala makes a connection to mindfulness-awareness practice, and works to integrate that practice into daily life in order to create a foundation for healthy social relationships and an enlightened society.
  3. Volunteer Service: A large majority of Shambhala activities are conducted by volunteers, and there are many ways to help. Members donate time to the local center based on their interests and personal availability.
  4. Financial Support: Shambhala is sustained through dues and donations. When you become a member, your financial contributions support the maintenance and growth of our center as well as the international Shambhala community.

 

Membership is open to anyone from any background, culture, faith or walk of life – all are welcome!

What are the benefits of membership?

Connecting with our community by becoming a member helps support your practice and strengthen your understanding of Shambhala Buddhism in many ways:

  • A sustaining connection to a global and local community and the warmth of a communal system of care and recovery
  • Ongoing meditation instruction with a personal meditation instructor
  • Automatic membership in Shambhala’s world-wide network
  • Access to a rich library of Member resources at www.shambhala.org
  • The merit of helping the profound tradition of meditation continue to survive and flourish

 

All financial contributions to the center are tax deductible. Tax receipts are provided annually.

Want to learn more about Membership? Contact our Membership Coordinator.