Membership at the Zen Center of Denver
Friends of the Center
A friend of the Center is defined as any non-member who wishes to attend sittings and certain other Zen Center functions. In order to become a friend of the Center, one must take the introductory training available on Tuesday evenings. This training may be reviewed as many times as desired, and Friends are encouraged to do so. A friend may also be asked to review the training if one of the zendo leaders perceives that it is needed.
Friends are requested to make a $5.00 donation for the instruction and one of their choosing each time they visit the Center. After receiving training, friends may attend morning or evening sittings, Sunday teishos, dharma talks, talk and discussion, zazen Q&A, chanting services, ceremonies, and social functions. They are eligible for dokusan, as desired, with a teacher. They do not wear sitting robes (visiting priests and monastics are an exception).
Membership
Those who wish further involvement and greater practice opportunities
may become a member of the Center. Members are eligible to participate
in all ZCD events and training programs. To become a
member one must attend the introductory seminar, complete two
informational and instructional interviews, and learn all the
practice forms of the temple. The primary way that members support the center is by meditating at the temple on a regular basis and helping to create a deep and supportive practice environment. Members also make a monthly contribution
to fund the facility and activities of the Center (no one is ever
turned away from membership due to financial difficulties) and may participate in the committee system that maintains and
runs the Center. Members may attend dokusan on a regular basis, request to be a formal student of Karin Kempe Sensei; Ken Morgareidge Sensei; or Peggy Sheehan Sensei enter advanced Zen training programs, and take part in the governance of the Center.
The highly motivated member, whose life
circumstances allow, may join the Monastery
Without Walls training program. This is an intensive form
of Zen training that interfaces temple practice and non-temple
practice within the context of lay life.
Those who have practiced for some years and wish
to make a formal lifetime commitment to the Path of Zen may become
ordained in the Lotus in
the Flame Order as householders or priests.
For more information about membership click
here.
