Donations

 

Gassho, Blue Mountain Zendo has just celebrated ten years of service to the Lehigh Valley. In return, I would like to thank all the Dharma Brothers and Sisters, known and unknown, who supported the zendo over these precious years. All this effort has brought Blue Mountain this far, and it will take the continued support of its members to keep it healthy and strong. Blue Mountain Zendo has remained the only Buddhist Temple within the Lehigh Valley and will continue to offer a nurturing space for all those who seek the truth in the future.

 

Over the winter, the zendo has incurred a great deal of financial burden while heating the large temple space. We currently owe $1,000 dollars to the electric company and $500 to the gas company. The zendo has been put on a budget to help spread the cost out over twelve months; however, this is still a pressing debt. We are also in need of renovations to the porch and kitchen areas which will require more funds than we currently have. This is the first time within ten years I have ever written a letter to the general public. I have always tried to do the best with what was offered. I have never personally taken a stipend from the zendo, on the contrary, I have always given what I could. The zendo space itself means little to me; however, the practice which occurs within her walls means everything. With that in mind, I have no problem begging for Dana. I will do whatever it takes to ensure those who seek the dharma will have a sangha to take refuge in and a space to fold their legs. Our center has always tried to accommodate all types of practitioners. Whether they were unable to attend larger centers due to physical limitation or they just did not feel a need to “go” anywhere, we have always opened our doors. Blue Mountain Zendo has never turned anyone away for any reason – especially for money. The nature of our sangha is based on “equality” and “friendship” instead of hierarchy and title. It is this approach which will continue to breathe life within our sangha long after we become white ash. The respect and compassion this approach brings about is true and genuine. The relationships that exist between senior sangha members and newer students is one of a "spiritual friend" and not one of a child and parent. Blue Mountain Zendo has always focused on creating an atmosphere conducive to liberation, not of entanglement and dependence.

 

Gassho, Blue Mountain Zendo has just celebrated ten years of service to the Lehigh Valley. In return, I would like to thank all the Dharma Brothers and Sisters, known and unknown, who supported the zendo over these precious years. All this effort has brought Blue Mountain this far, and it will take the continued support of its members to keep it healthy and strong. Blue Mountain Zendo has remained the only Buddhist Temple within the Lehigh Valley and will continue to offer a nurturing space for all those who seek the truth in the future.

 

Dana is a very common Pali word in Buddhism. Though the word "Dana" is known to most Buddhists, it is very hard to understand it in the actual sense of the term and to perform it accordingly. Dana simply means "giving" or performing acts of charity with a good will or pure volition. It may also be manifested in the form of service, teaching or financial efforts. It is not an ordinary gift or present or give-and-take as prevailing among most people. It is a meritorious act of detaching from one's property or material with true faith and intent. This action or (Karma) results in fruits or (Kammavipaka) that send ripples through time itself. The donor at the same time acquires tangible merit such as wholesomeness, humility, and inner peace. Truly enough, Dana is indeed a principle that flows forth via the noble actions of Bodhisattvas and is an important part of Buddhism itself. Please help us keep Zen Buddhism alive and well in the Lehigh Valley. Even if you are unable to attend the temple on a regular basis, your support will ensure the temple's ongoing support of the community and those in need.

 

Student Membership

$90.00 Per Month

Includes unlimited zazen/zazenkai, overnight lodging per request, 25% off of sesshin/events and access to special events.

Attending Membership

$80.00 Per Month

Includes unlimited zazen/zazenkai, 15% off of sesshin/events.

Associate Membership

$50.00 Per Month

Includes two zazen/zazenkai sessions, 5% off of sesshin/event fees.

Friend Membership

$25.00 Per Month

For those sangha members who are unable to attend the zendo but, would like practice by offering support. This membership includes a two-day residential stay at the zendo within a 12 month period.

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