Membership

If you are inspired to offer your time, energy or money to support the activities of the Center, you can be a member of the Asheville Shambhala Center. Becoming a Shambhala member is an invitation and opportunity to participate in a “living lab” for good human society. Membership is open to anyone from any background, culture, faith or walk of life – all are welcome.

Although membership is not required to participate in our activities, without our membership it would not be possible to pay our expenses, offer programs, meditation sessions, and community events.

The Asheville Shambhala Center is a non-profit organization funded soley by its members, supporters, and program fees. Community-based funding keeps Shambhala financially independent and healthy, provides the needed resources to operate and grow locally, and supports the international leadership and training that co-create the Vision of Shambhala.  Becoming a member of the Asheville Shambhala Center automatically makes one a member of Shambhala USA.

Membership is a statement about your personal inspiration, curiosity, and commitment to the path of awakening. It means participating in a community of practitioners who aspire to relate to each other with honesty, warmth, and openness. We inspire one another to deepen our practice of mindfulness, awareness, compassion, and patience.

 


Membership is also a way to express appreciation for what Shambhala provides and help make it available to others. This involves three areas of engagement and support:

Practicing meditation

Making a connection to mindfulness-awareness meditation or related contemplative practice and integrating this practice into daily life is considered the best way for members to support Shambhala and benefit the world and ourselves.

Volunteering

All of the work of our Center and much of the work of the Shambhala global community is done by volunteers. Giving our time and talents to the work of the community is a vital form of support and viewed as part of members’ practice.

Providing financial support

We rely on membership dues to pay our operating expenses and view financial giving as part of a practice of generosity. Payment of membership dues is the financial backbone of our Shambhala Center. Our members have diverse means and offer a wide range of monthly contributions. Whatever amount one is able and willing to give is valued and considered important. We do not have a minimum or maximum, and no one is excluded from membership because of money. Donations are tax deductible under IRC 501(c)(3).

Fill out our membership form online and our Membership Coordinator will contact you.

What are the benefits of membership in our Center?

  • Members can practice in our meditation hall at any time
  • The connection with our community helps support your practice and strengthen your understanding of Shambhala
  • Members are invited to Member meetings and community events
  • Membership pin
  • Free listing on our website Business Directory (work in progress)
  • Automatic membership in Shambhala’s world-wide network
  • Access to member resources at www.shambhala.org

 

Those who are in the sangha are warriors, because they are trying to overcome samsara. Members of the sangha support one another and care for one another. They are not perfect, but they inspire us because they are people who want to deepen their practice of mindfulness, awareness and compassion. The sangha is also a container. When we practice together, the sangha helps our discipline. We realize that there are other people around who are going through the same thing. That gives us a feeling of encouragement.
– Sakyong Mipham Rinpoche