Village Zendo Membership

Why become a Member of the Village Zendo?

Membership allows you to explore Zen practice at the Village Zendo, to support the Zendo financially and to receive private instruction from our teachers. Membership in the Village Zendo is open to all.

Do You Need to Be a Member to Practice with the Village Zendo Community?

No one needs to be a Member in order to participate in Village Zendo activities.  All are welcome to sit in meditation with our community and to attend our programs and retreats.  Membership is for those who wish to receive private instruction from our teachers and to receive discounts on our programs and retreats.

What are the benefits of Membership?

VZ Members are eligible to meet with Village Zendo teachers in a private interview called daisan (or dokusan).  During daisan, Members can ask the teacher questions about their Zen practice or, if they wish, bring up issues they are facing in their lives.  Daisan is one of the foundations of Zen training and can make a significant difference in your practice.  Members also receive discounts on programs and retreats.

How much does Membership cost?

Regular membership dues are $108 per month, dues for distance members who live at least 50 miles from the Zendo are $65 per month, and dues for members under 25 or over 70 years old are $54 per month.

You may maintain your Membership for as long or short a time as you like.

What do I do if I want to become a Member?

The first step is to e-mail membership@villagezendo.org and we will send you a brief form and answer any questions you may have.  The next step is to meet with one of our teachers, either in daisan or informally, to introduce yourself and let the teacher know of your intention to become a Member.  Following your conversation with a teacher, you simply e-mail the completed form back to us and make your first monthly Membership payment.  When we have received your payment, you will receive an e-mail letter welcoming you to Membership in the Village Zendo.

Are there any further steps?

Some Members may wish to become Formal Students, which involves making a deeper commitment to Zen practice and entering into formal training under the guidance of our teachers.   Further information on becoming a Formal Student may be found in our information sheets on “Becoming a Formal Student at the Village Zendo” and “Recommendations for Student Practice”.  You may also e-mail your questions to membership@villagezendo.org

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