Membership

There are Two Types:

1.    NALANDABODHI CONTRIBUTING MEMBERSHIP

Contributing Members are students who have developed a connection to our sangha and teachers by participating in classes, meditation practice, and special programs -- and who wish to make a monthly contribution to support these activities. Many of these members eventually become students (full members) of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche.

2.    NALANDABODHI FULL MEMBERSHIP

Full Membership is for students of Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche and requires a deeper commitment to Nalandabodhi. To become a student means that you have sent a letter to Rinpoche asking him to be your teacher.

Being accepted as a student by Rinpoche offers many opportunities to deepen and enrich your practice, study, and activity within the sangha. When we become students of a teacher, we take refuge in the teacher as a representative of the Buddha, in his teachings as genuine instructions leading us on the path to awakening, and in his community of students, or sangha, as partners on our journey. The relationship between a teacher and his sangha is also reciprocal. Rinpoche often tells us that he needs his students' feedback as well as participation and support to develop a Buddhadharma that is relevant for students in the 21st century.

Working together with each other in the sangha also provides spiritual support and feedback. It offers an opportunity to work through and transform obstacles with fellow travelers on the path. As Nalandabodhi members, we share a commitment to establishing harmonious relationships with other members as part of the sangha discipline of loving kindness and compassion. Sangha provides a vital aspect of our practice. It is meditation in action and interaction.

Some members become students of Rinpoche without having been Contributing Members first. In this situation, Rinpoche suggests that there be a 'transitional' period of six months allowing the new member some time to gradually commit to full membership.

If you wish to become a Nalandabodhi member, your first step will be to join the Nalandabodhi Center in or near the city where you live. There is a list of our centers on this website.  If you are not near any Nalandabodhi Center, it is possible to become an At Large Center Member. Thank you again for your interest in being a part of our growing community!

 

Membership: Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about membership, contact: membership@nalandabodhi.org

 

Benefits and Requirements of the Two Types of Membership

1. NALANDABODHI CONTRIBUTING MEMBERSHIP

Benefits

With a Contributing Membership in Nalandabodhi, You Receive:

  • Nalandabodhi news and information, hot off the press
  • An official Nalandabodhi Membership Packet (all the basics)
  • Guidance and support for your meditation practice and study (We'll assign you a Practice Instructor, similar to a friend on the path of meditation. This is optional, but most members enjoy and appreciate being able to connect with a PI.)
  • Access to Nalandabodhi materials for participating in the Paths of Study, Meditation, and Activity, based on where you are on this progressive three-part path.

Requirements

  • Dues : Monthly $25.00
              Annual $300.000
  • Dues for At-Large: Monthly $20
              Annual $240
  • Participation in study, meditation practice and supportive activities as time and interest allow.

2. NALANDABODHI FULL MEMBERSHIP

Benefits

When You Become a Full Nalandabodhi Member, You Receive:

  • Nalandabodhi news and information, hot off the press
  • An official Nalandabodhi Membership Packet (all the basics)
  • Eligibility to apply to the annual sangha retreat in Seattle
  • 50% discount on tuition for these Nalandabodhi Path of Study Courses: Hinayana, Mahayana and Vajrayana
  • A 20% discount for certain Nalandabodhi and Nalanda West programs and events.
  • Access to Nalandabodhi materials for participating in the Paths of Study, Meditation, and Mindful Activity, based on where you are on this progressive three-part path.
  • Guidance and support for your meditation practice and study (We'll assign you a Practice Instructor, similar to a friend on the path of meditation. This is optional, but most of us enjoy and appreciate being able to connect with a PI.)
  • Access to the Nalanda West Library
  • Eligibility to participate in Nalanda West leadership programs

Requirements

  • Dues: $40 monthly, $480 annual
  • Dues for At-Large Members: $25 per month for full $300 per year
  • Commitment to engage in Nalandabodhi's 3 Paths of Study, Meditation and Mindful Activity.
  • Participation and contact with your local center.
  • Maintaining a relationship with Rinpoche as your primary spiritual guide and teacher.

Note: Nalandabodhi offers a varying dues amount for full time university students, families, and seniors.

 

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Nalandabodhi members receive discounts on retreats and programs, as well as on classes in the 3 Paths at all Nalandabodhi centers (Sourcebooks for classes can be purchased through the Nalanda West store. For courses in the Path of Meditation, there's a suggested donation of $15 per class.) Contributing membership dues are $25 monthly per person. Full membership dues are $40 per person monthly. You can become a member online, but to set up your recurring membership donation please contact your local Nalandabodhi center's membership coordinator for details. You can use our secure online server to make dues payments.