Generosity brings happiness at every stage of its expression.
We experience joy in forming the intention to be generous.
We experience joy in the actual act of giving something.
And we experience joy in remembering the fact that we have given.
~ The Buddha
The Lotus Heart Zen sangha strives to cultivate a respectful and welcoming practice space open to all. Lotus Heart Zen relies on financial and in-kind support to offer this gift in a unique and accessible venue in Central New York. While membership is not required to partake of the services and events provided by Lotus Heart Zen, a membership does offer added benefits for an individual who attends more regularly. Gatherings are open to everyone regardless of membership status.
Members pledge a monthly or annual amount, which helps to cover Lotus Heart Zen's expenses. Members of Lotus Heart Zen can receive precepts, get a copy of the Lotus Heart Zen liturgy book, gain access to exclusive video and audio content, and other benefits depending on the level of support.
If you would like to support Lotus Heart Zen's mission, please consider becoming a member.
Members pledge a monthly or annual amount, which helps to cover Lotus Heart Zen's expenses. Members of Lotus Heart Zen can receive precepts, get a copy of the Lotus Heart Zen liturgy book, gain access to exclusive video and audio content, and other benefits depending on the level of support.
If you would like to support Lotus Heart Zen's mission, please consider becoming a member.
To become a Lotus Heart Zen member, please complete the Membership Form
Supporting Memberships
Sangha Membership
For individuals who regularly attend services, meditations, special events, and retreats; are investigating the role of Zen practice; what it means to go for refuge in the three jewels and may be considering taking precepts. Sangha Members:
Family Rate (three or more individuals from the same residence): $90/monthly or $1000/annually. (reduced rate for 10 Meeting Meditation & Mindfulness Membership Card = $10). Click here to become a Sangha Member.
- receive a copy of the Lotus Heart Zen liturgy;
- receive a set of japa mala beads;
- have access to exclusive videos and recordings of teachings;
- attend selected retreats and events at a discounted rates;
- granted access to the dharma room at the Lotus Heart Zen Abbey (during open hours or by appointment);
- borrow books from the Lotus Heart Zen library located at the Lotus Heart Zen Abbey;
- qualify for a reduced rate for membership to the Meditation & Mindfulness group (purchased separately).
Family Rate (three or more individuals from the same residence): $90/monthly or $1000/annually. (reduced rate for 10 Meeting Meditation & Mindfulness Membership Card = $10). Click here to become a Sangha Member.
Patron Membership |
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For individuals who are actively exploring the Zen Buddhist path and want to support the Lotus Heart Zen Sangha and its teachers. They may also often volunteer to help out with the practice center activities and participate in Sangha activities. Patron members:
- receive a copy of the Lotus Heart Zen liturgy;
- receive a set of japa mala beads;
- have access to exclusive videos and recordings of teachings;
- attend selected retreats and events for free;
- granted access to the dharma room at the Lotus Heart Zen Abbey (during open hours or by appointment);
- borrow books from the Lotus Heart Zen library located at the Lotus Heart Zen Abbey;
- qualify for a free membership to the Meditation & Mindfulness group.
Student/Senior Membership
This membership is valid for full-time college or high school students and retired seniors who regularly attend services, meditations, lectures, retreats and are actively learning how to incorporate Zen practice into daily life and may also be considering taking precepts. Individuals in this membership:
- receive a copy of the Lotus Heart Zen liturgy;
- receive a set of japa mala beads;
- have access to exclusive videos and recordings of teachings;
- attend selected retreats and events at a discounted rate;
- granted access to the dharma room at the Lotus Heart Zen Abbey (during open hours or by appointment);
- qualify for a reduced rate for membership to the Meditation & Mindfulness group (purchased separately).
Dharma Friend Membership
For individuals who wish to support the efforts of Lotus Heart Zen to provide access to the dharma to those interested. Dharma Friends themselves don't necessarily attend practice or services regularly. Dharma Friend members:
- receive a copy of the Lotus Heart Zen liturgy;
- receive a set of japa mala beads;
- have access to exclusive videos and recordings of teachings;
- attend selected retreats and events at a discounted rate;
- qualify for a reduced rate for membership to the Meditation & Mindfulness group (purchased separately).
Remote Sangha Membership -- Coming Soon!
This membership is for individuals who cannot easily attend meditation group or Zen service due to distance or other circumstances. Remote Sangha members:
- receive a copy of the Lotus Heart Zen liturgy;
- receive a set of japa mala beads;
- have access to exclusive videos and recordings of teachings;
Dana Paramita
The practice of giving is, world over, recognized as one of the most basic and innate of human virtues. It is a quality that demonstrates the depth of one's humanity and capacity for self-transcendence. Dana paramita, which means "perfection of giving", is considered a Buddhist virtue to be cultivated. In the Buddhist tradition, the teachings are considered so precious as to be priceless. Thus they are given freely, with the opportunity to offer voluntary donations, or dana. Giving is one of the essential preliminary steps of Buddhist practice, as it is the basis of generating wholesome karma. When giving is combined with Skillful Thought, Skillful Concentration, and Skillful Action, it is done without attachment or expectation of anything in return. Giving then becomes the fertilizer for cultivating gratitude.
How to offer dana: Dana plays a central role in the spiritual life of a dharma practitioner. Monetary donations are the easiest and most useful form of dana. Lotus Heart Zen offers four (and soon five) supporting membership levels. However, Lotus Heart Zen recognizes that, for some, money is not a bountiful resource and accepts any and all forms of donations given to support the sangha's efforts to help and serve. If money is an obstacle to practicing giving, dana in the form of assistance, such as in setting up for group meetings, practice and services; helping to sew meditation cushions or make lotus decorations; donate supplies or food; help prepar for retreats and ceremonies, etc. Volunteering administrative services and other professional skills are also accepted.
How to offer dana: Dana plays a central role in the spiritual life of a dharma practitioner. Monetary donations are the easiest and most useful form of dana. Lotus Heart Zen offers four (and soon five) supporting membership levels. However, Lotus Heart Zen recognizes that, for some, money is not a bountiful resource and accepts any and all forms of donations given to support the sangha's efforts to help and serve. If money is an obstacle to practicing giving, dana in the form of assistance, such as in setting up for group meetings, practice and services; helping to sew meditation cushions or make lotus decorations; donate supplies or food; help prepar for retreats and ceremonies, etc. Volunteering administrative services and other professional skills are also accepted.
Please contact Do'an Sabunim before offering to donate services or physical items
Donations are not tax-deductible under 501(c)(7) rules.
Thank you for your support!
A member of the Five Mountain Zen Order
