Become a Member
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Becoming a Member
The first students of Buddha Shakyamuni understood the need to create a practical environment to support their study, meditation, and practice. Under the guidance of the Buddha, they organized themselves into a community of like-minded practitioners known in Sanskrit as sangha. This practice of building a sangha has continued into the modern era, forming an effective antidote to the seemingly crucial distractions that all too easily come between us and our best intentions.
In accordance with a tradition that extends back to the very earliest days of Buddhism, we invite you to become a member of Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery or one of our affiliated Dharma centers in the eastern United States. Membership is a meaningful way of participating in the Lama's activities while accumulating merit and gaining support for your own study and practice. The Dharma center provides a setting where sangha members can receive empowerments and teachings, and participate in the traditional chanting and meditation practices of Tibetan Buddhism. It is also a place where newcomers can ask questions, and where more experienced practitioners can pass along the benefit of their long affiliation and training. In this way, each Dharma center functions to preserve and extend the rich legacy of Tibetan Buddhist practice.
Please consider joining Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery or an affiliate center near you. Support through membership serves not only as a meaningful way of participating in center activities, but also as a means of preserving and spreading the wisdom of the Buddha.
You can use this page to pay your tax deductible membership fee through PayPal using a credit card or a PayPal account. If you prefer to enroll via postal mail, simply print out a copy of the Printable Membership Enrollment Form and send it with your check to the attention of the Treasurer at the center you select. Please make your check payable to the selected center. You may also use this form if you would prefer KTC to charge your credit card directly.
We look forward to welcoming you.
Membership Plans
In order to accommodate the needs and aspirations of a diverse body of members, we offer a variety of membership plans. These include Basic Membership, Five Year Membership, Ten Year Membership, and Lifetime Membership.
Basic Membership
The basic plan includes monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual membership payment options. Members in good standing (for six months or longer) receive discounts on teaching seminars and accommodations, as well as on purchase of practice materials and audio recordings. As an added benefit, membership at any one of our Dharma centers entitles you to basic membership privileges at all affiliated centers. Note: Family memberships only apply to people living in the same household.
- * Family memberships are not available for Semi-Annual, Quarterly, or Monthly plans.
Five Year Membership
Members at this level receive all the benefits of the Basic Membership. Five-Year Members are also invited as special guests to attend Kagyu Thubten Chöling's annual Thanksgiving and Tibetan New Year celebrations. Kagyu Thubten Chöling offers 100 butterlamps on your behalf each year, together with prayers for the fulfillment of your aspirations. Note: Family memberships only apply to people living in the same household.
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Five Year - (Paid in monthly installments over 1 Year)
Ten Year Membership
In addition to receiving the same benefits as Five-Year Members, members at this level are invited each year to attend, as our guest, one weekend seminar taught by Lama Norlha Rinpoche at Kagyu Thubten Chöling. Note: Family memberships only apply to people living in the same household.
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Ten Year - (Paid in monthly installments over 1 Year)
Lifetime Membership
Those who choose to join at this level are accorded the same benefits as Ten-Year Members, and are also invited as special guests to attend the auspicious ceremonies marking the end of each three-year retreat. Each year, prayers are offered on behalf of Lifetime Members during a special fire offering ceremony, as well as during the three-day Drolma Yuldok practice for the removal of obstacles. In addition, Lifetime Members are invited to attend any one weekend of teaching at Kagyu Thubten Chöling. Note: Family memberships only apply to people living in the same household.
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Lifetime Membership - (Paid in monthly installments over 1 or 2 Years)
Please consider joining Kagyu Thubten Chöling Monastery or an affiliate center near you. Support through membership serves not only as a meaningful way of participating in center activities, but also as a means of preserving and spreading the wisdom of the Buddha. To join, simply add your selected membership to the "Donation Cart" and pay with PayPal. We look forward to welcoming you.