1. How do I join Nalandabodhi if I do not live near a Nalandabodhi Center?
If you are interested in becoming a member of Nalandabodhi but do not live near a Center (NYC, Hartford, CT, Boulder, CO, or the San Francisco/Bay area, or Seattle), you may join as an at-large member. As an at large member, you are invited to participate in Nalandabodhi online study courses, and can work with a practice instructor, a specially trained senior student, who will assist you as you progress through the meditation stages and methods taught by Nalandabodhi.
At Large members join as contributing members with a dues donation of $240 per year, or $20 a month. Dues are paid online through this website's "Giving" section. Please note in the comments section that you are paying "at large dues". Thank you for your interest in Nalandabodhi. For further information about at large membership, please contact us at membership at-large.
Nalandabodhi also sponsors study groups in the following locations: Philadelphia, Austin, Louisville, and Margie's group in Sarasota, Florida. Although these are not formal centers, they do provide the opportunity to participate in the study curriculum and to meet with others for discussion and guidance.
2. How much are membership dues?
This varies slightly from center to center. You should contact the Center near you directly. They will explain their dues structure and the manner of payment.
3. What are the benefits of membership?
For at large member, the benefits are the study curriculum, practice instruction and Bodhi. Centers might have additional benefits for their members.
5. I would like to get to know other people in the Nalandabodhi sangha. How do I meet people?
There are many ways to connect with others in the Nalandabodhi community. The best way to meet people is to attend events at your Center: classes and group meditation practice. There is often time set aside for socializing before, during or after these events. Speak to your local Membership Coordinator and Director(s) about wanting to meet people. Another way to get to know people is to volunteer to help out in the organizing of events and helping in other ways to support the center's operations. All sanghas need volunteers.
At Large Center members live all over the world. The At Large director and national Membership Director are working to create a virtual community through this website in the near future where At Large members can connect more easily. Online courses are another good way to connect with other Nalandabodhi members.
6. What if I cannot afford dues? Can I still be a member?
Dues from membership are the primary source of support for our teachers and their activities as well to support our Nalandabodhi Centers. For this reason, dues payment is a responsibility that goes hand-in-hand with membership in Nalandabodhi. We do, however, understand that circumstances can make it difficult at times to pay the full amount of dues. If you would like to become a member but find that the full dues amount is not something that you can manage at this time, please speak to your membership or center director. You may also be able to pay a portion of your dues through some form of work-study service to your center.