tag:thedharmabums.org,2005:/blogs/dbt-blog?p=2Dharma Bum Blog2024-03-11T19:57:59-07:00Dharma Bum Templefalsetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/73655642024-03-11T19:57:59-07:002024-03-11T19:59:59-07:00Women’s Buddhist Leadership Program<p><span>It brings us great joy to introduce the Dharma Bum Temple’s first ever Women’s Buddhist Leadership Program! We started Saturday and are honored to bring together this amazing group of women. We were so blessed to have Karma Lekshe Tsomo as our first guest speaker and get us started with a meditation and discussion about the history of women in Buddhism. If interested in the Summer program you may click below to apply. </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.thedharmabums.org/women-s-buddhist-leadership-program"><span style="color:hsl(235,82%,47%);"><span>https://www.thedharmabums.org/women-s-buddhist-leadership-program</span></span></a></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/3efc3d195c5e5a57b538720c2f020dfcfbec38ab/original/wblp-group-1-day-1-e.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" height="717" width="981" /><p> </p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/73556382024-02-22T14:43:13-08:002024-02-22T14:43:13-08:00BuddhistDoor Global Articles on the Dharma Bum Temple<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/da5c59e04499a0cc6cc825832ebf6bfe4b731f56/original/buddhist-door-global-article.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" height="848" /><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">“The pulse of spirituality in modern America is ever changing, and in recent years, Western people have been seemingly more in touch with their spirituality than ever before. Western scholars have been writing books on the Buddha’s teachings for decades, and people have been increasingly drawn to the practice as a result. Nevertheless, there are numerous factors that make Buddhism subject to certain misunderstandings in the Western world. To explain Buddhism in a “Western” culture, we must first begin to explore the common American misconceptions about Buddhism and that often make the two experiences incompatible. </span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">The Dharma Bum Temple in San Diego, California is a prime example of a Western Temple that has worked and continues to adapt to Western needs and mindsets. Not only does the temple want to recognize where Western people struggle with Buddhism, but they ultimately </span><i>must</i><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);"> do this in order to successfully transform Western worldviews for the better.”</span></p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/b2405ed69f9a66b20f384d642ec770b8a2f5b77f/original/buddhist-door-global-article-part-two.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" height="763" /><p>See Kassidy Evans' recent articles in BuddhistDoor Global, in which she takes a look at how the Dharma Bum Temple in San Diego brings the Dharma to local residents and students in an American context of meaning-seeking and meditation.</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/skillfully-bringing-buddhism-to-the-west-san-diegos-dharma-bum-temple-part-one/" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:hsl(240,75%,60%);"><u>See Part One here!</u></span></a></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/skillfully-bringing-buddhism-to-the-west-san-diegos-dharma-bum-temple-part-two/" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:hsl(240,75%,60%);"><u>See Part Two here!</u></span></a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/73397032024-01-24T18:13:35-08:002024-01-24T18:31:38-08:00The Teachings of Shinryu Suzuki’s Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: How to Cultivate a Foundational Mindset for Right Practice<p style="text-align:center;">Kassidy Evans</p><p style="text-align:center;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/081418792ff8cd2d03200932a310d9d6c7e2f498/original/shunryu-suzuki-by-robert-boni.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">In the opening line of his book, <i>Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind: Informal Talks on Zen Meditation and Practice</i>, Zen monk and teacher Shunryu Suzuki shares the following; “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few.”</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Suzuki played a major role in bringing Zen Buddhism to the United States. He is known for founding the San Francisco Zen Center in 1959 followed by Tassajara Zen Mountain Center –the first Zen Monastery in the West– as well as Green Gulch Farm. While founding these revolutionary Buddhist spaces, Suzuki went out of his way to adapt to the needs of Western practitioners, and he modified the ways in which he shared the teachings in order to make them understandable and accessible to his Western audience. As an author, Suzuki held true to his commitment to making the practice clear and comprehensible. He did not overly intellectualize the teachings; rather, much of his writings center around the description of manageable physical and mental practices that all people can utilize to better themselves and enhance their lives.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Specifically, in <i>Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind</i>, Suzuki introduces the Zen Buddhist concept of <i>shoshin</i>, or the “beginner’s mind.” Having a beginner’s mind means being without expectations and preconceptions. Instead, one with this mindset is curious and open. When one is new to something, they are typically not attached to any specific idea of what that thing or experience “should” be. Rather, they are welcoming new lessons as experiences as they come and as they are. The goal of Zen practice, as outlined by Suzuki, is to always keep <i>shoshin</i>. Suzuki advises practitioners not to lose their initial attitudes towards any teachings or practices once they become familiar with them. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">There is a certain arrogance that can sometimes come with familiarity. When one develops an idea of what something “should” be, they might begin to resist new knowledge or experiences that don’t align with their conceptions. The childlike sense of openness and wonder fades away and is replaced by egotism. One might begin to center their practice around trying to achieve a specific feeling or experience, and as a result they close themselves off to other ones that may come about during their practice. The Zen practice is about sitting with whatever conditions exist in the present moment without judgment. In order to achieve this, practitioners must accept their lack of control over many conditions and remain open minded in each and every moment.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">So, how might we practice maintaining <i>shoshin</i> while learning new information? The first and simplest practice is to always assume that we know less than we might be compelled to think we know. Keeping a fresh mind and never claiming to know anything is what Suzuki calls “the secret of Zen practice.” Thus, we are able to experience life fully and as it is in each and every moment. More importantly, we are open to learning more about the teachings as we practice, even –if not especially– the ones with which we already have experience with.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">If you attend classes at the Dharma Bum Temple, you may be familiar with our Intro to Buddhism classes. To conclude these sessions, there is typically time set aside for visitors to ask questions about Buddhist practice or whatever else they may be sitting with. There are many foundational subjects that often tend to come up in peoples’ questions, and frequent visitors might become frustrated or bored with hearing about the same teachings repetitively. Eventually, they may begin to believe that they cannot benefit from hearing these questions and responses anymore because they believe they already know the answers. Shunryu Suzuki would say that this represents a loss of the beginner’s mind, and it is a detriment to our practice. No matter how many times one has learned about a subject, there will always be more to know, learn, and experience. With this in mind, we must always remind ourselves to keep our minds fresh and open! One might attend an Intro to Buddhism class for the rest of their life, and as long as they maintain a Beginner’s Mind, they will leave every session with new understandings and wisdom.<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/b78c0164dd33844558e744b0250d52f952e70ebe/original/s625288930640314262-p1180-i1-w2880-jpeg.webp/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Throughout <i>Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind</i>, Suzuki outlines various aspects of Zen Buddhism. He begins with a straightforward explanation of Right Practice, which includes a wide variety of contributing exercises such as posture, breathing, control, bowing, and what he calls mind waves and mind weeds. He then goes on to explain Right Attitude, which involves maintaining <i>shoshin</i> while practicing routinely. Suzuki emphasizes the importance of repetition here, as Zen is not meant to be what some might assume to be a special and highly spiritual practice. While openness, awareness, and presence is immensely important, Suzuki states, “Zen is not some kind of excitement, but concentration on our usual, everyday routine.” Once one understands what Zen practice truly is, they may begin to cultivate the practice in their everyday life.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">In the final section of his book, Suzuki describes Right Understanding, which is summarized in his statement “Our understanding of Buddhism is not just an intellectual understanding. True understanding is actual practice itself.” While reading about Buddhist thought can be very helpful with initially understanding it, Buddhism is experience at its very core. Suzuki makes sure that this is clear in his writings. He provides readers with a powerful framework for their practice and encourages them to take the tools he provides and genuinely do something with them, as the practice requires action and goes far beyond just having a knowledge of the teachings. This understanding often goes hand-in-hand with the Beginner’s Mindset.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">People often come into Buddhist spaces with a craving for knowledge and wisdom, and one of the most common questions new practitioners often ask is for book recommendations. While, as Suzuki stated, real wisdom is found through practice, his own book is highly recommended as an incredible resource for guiding people toward Right Practice, Attitude, and Understanding. In <i>Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind</i>, Shunryu Suzuki masterfully shares his teachings on Zen Buddhism and the Beginner’s Mind in a way that makes Zen practice accessible for <i>all</i> people, no matter the level of experience. This is ultimately because we are <i>all</i> beginners in many ways – and that is a beautiful thing!</span></p><p><span style="color:hsl(0,75%,60%);">If you are interested in picking up your own copy of <i>Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind</i>, we have copies in both English and Spanish available at our gift shop, Buddha for You.</span></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/73326082024-01-11T18:46:01-08:002024-01-12T13:01:16-08:00BuddhistDoor Global Article on Delta Beta Tau<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/61f78c179a1fbe3f30933ccb2a5439c7c81c3e34/original/dbt-article-on-buddhist-door-global.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><p><span style="color:rgb(51,51,51);">“When you hear the word “fraternity,” mindfulness might not be the first thing that comes to mind. When you hear the word “meditation,” the first people who come to mind probably aren’t college students either, that is unless you’re discussing the non-sectarian Buddhist fraternity at San Diego State University, Delta Beta Tau.”</span></p><p>See Kassidy Evans' recent article in BuddhistDoor Global, in which she tells the story of the first and only Buddhist Fraternity in the United States and its unique contribution to American Buddhism. Delta Beta Tau initially began with students meeting at the old Buddha for You location. Co-founded by Jeffrey Zlotnik as a program operating out of the Dharma Bum Temple and SDSU, Delta Beta Tau has come a long way since its founding, and it continues to grow and inspire students every day!</p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.buddhistdoor.net/features/delta-beta-tau-at-san-diego-state-university-the-nations-first-buddhist-fraternity/" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:hsl(240,75%,60%);"><u>See full article here!</u></span></a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/73246522023-12-26T14:11:38-08:002023-12-26T14:12:37-08:00San Diego Union Tribune Article<p><span style="color:rgb(10,10,10);">“Most temples do not host events to celebrate, as Christmas is not immediately relevant to Buddhist tradition, but their doors are always open to those who do…”</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(10,10,10);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/8180a0c35fb238f5a087efdd2a534b6ba561d898/original/screenshot-2023-12-26-at-1-50-16-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(10,10,10);">Check out the recent San Diego Union Tribune article about Christmas and Buddhism written by the Dharma Bum Temple's own Kassidy Evans, which includes mention of our mission to be a safe space for people of all different faiths and backgrounds!</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(10,10,10);">See the full article </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/opinion/commentary/story/2023-12-22/opinion-buddhism-christmas-san-diego-dharma-bum-temple" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:hsl(240, 75%, 60%);"><u>here</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(10,10,10);">!</span></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/73220742023-12-20T15:33:14-08:002023-12-20T15:33:14-08:00New Year's Eve Celebration & Midnight Meditation.<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Join us for the 18th Annual Dharma Bum Temple New Year's Eve Celebration & Midnight Meditation. Please share this free and special event. <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1020335269077613" data-link-type="url" target="_blank"><span style="color:hsl(240, 75%, 60%);"><u>Click here for FB Event Page!</u></span></a>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>We will gather at 7pm for a Vegetarian Potluck Dinner followed by a telling of the History and Vision of The Dharma Bum Temple at 9pm. At 11:40pm we will be in the meditation hall for a silent meditation taking us into the New Year.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>The midnight meditation allows us to sit quietly with Sangha while listening to the screaming and yelling that surrounds us. Taking in all the sounds, sensations and being present is a beautiful way to begin a new year. If you have never started a new year in silence, this is your chance.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>You are welcome to come early in the evening for dinner, later for the talk, or by 11:40pm for the midnight meditation. Stop in any time throughout the night or stay for the entire evening. Any time is ok!</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>7pm Vegetarian Potluck<br>9pm Dharma Bum Temple: History and Vision<br>11:40pm Silent Meditation</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/9879e80281f0888d53f5f95fde557c83482205dc/original/nye.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></div>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/73127902023-12-01T14:51:00-08:002023-12-08T13:06:22-08:00Dharma Bum Temple Sangha Spotlight: Interview with Community Member Kevin Harvey<p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><i>“The practice I learned here took the prism that I’ve typically looked at life through and changed it. It has made me less critical of myself and others, and a little more patient. This in turn has made me more calm and joyful. I’m able to see the opportunities within problems and evaluate if I have any control over them or not. And if not, I am willing to ask for help.”</i></span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/b5f751963e1280f54826a14ae88e490ec7f56224/original/screenshot-2023-12-01-at-1-59-17-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Long-time community member Kevin Harvey lives by the following words: “simple joys.” Throughout his life and journey at the Dharma Bum Temple, he has figured out how to find true joy in the mundane, a practice that is <i>much</i> easier said than done.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">November 29th, 2023 was Kevin’s first day of vacation from work. Once his vacation time is up, he will be rolling straight into retirement after being a supervisor for the County of San Diego for the past 16 years. On December 15th, he will be heading to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania for the next chapter of his life.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Kevin was born 63 years ago in Washington DC, and was raised in rural southern Maryland as the youngest of 4 children. He grew up in a very traditional household, and often felt emotionally disconnected from those around him. Often feeling like the odd one out, Kevin grew up lonely. He didn’t feel that his beliefs, values, and desired lifestyle fit with those of his community. Even before he was fully aware of his identity, growing up gay also made him far more sympathetic to others, especially those more likely to face oppression or feel ostracized from their communities.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">As soon as he was able, Kevin moved back to DC in hopes of finding an environment that better aligned with his mentality. Over time, he realized that he was becoming far less emotional, but the empathy he developed in childhood continued to shape the way he viewed the world and the suffering of those around him. Kevin has always worked in government or for nonprofits within the realm of social service. He is not a politician or businessman, nor did he never aspire to be. Rather, he has always remained in the business of taking care of people. He spent some time working in both DC and then Pennsylvania, and after some unfavorable changes at his company in Pennsylvania, Kevin decided to move to San Diego for a two year adventure…twenty two years ago. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">In describing his first few years in California, Kevin’s main retrospection was that he accumulated a lot of stuff. Eventually, all of his belongings began to control him, and he apathetically decided that it just would be too difficult for him to move again. What’s more, Kevin noted, is that all of the things that tethered him to San Diego didn’t even bring him joy or fulfillment; it was just stuff.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">In 2011, Kevin’s mom passed away, and with her he lost the only thing that connected him to his childhood. After this loss, he decided to become the person that his mother thought he was, and reconnect with his spirituality. He began his journey by touring various churches and Christian organizations, but was unable to find a tradition that he resonated with. Kevin eventually met a friend who introduced him to Buddhism and brought him to his place of practice, but once again, it was not the right fit. He recalled learning more about the founder of the organization than the teachings, and he didn’t feel that he was learning anything useful. Feeling that this was once again not the right place for him but now harboring a newfound interest in Buddhism, Kevin continued to test the waters with other temples. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">As a highly empathetic individual, Kevin desired for a community that served the people who needed it. At some of the places he visited, Kevin noticed a lack of recognition for those suffering before their very eyes. He recalled stepping around homeless people living on the streets of San Diego in order to get to organizations whose funds often went solely to people abroad. Kevin couldn’t get on board with these causes while neglecting the suffering of those right in front of him. He continued looking, until one day the Dharma Bum Temple came up in one of his Google searches.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/6d4610a5a5047d945472dbd061b7dabd59a2d571/original/kevin-food-redistribution-2023.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_left border_" /></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">In 2012, Kevin attended his first Dharma Bum Temple food redistribution, and he knew immediately that he had finally found a community that would stick.<strong> </strong>Early on in his journey with the Dharma Bum Temple, he signed up for the Dharma Bum Life Program. At first, he was intimidated by everybody else’s exteriors. Nonetheless, it didn’t take long for him to realize that he was not the only one stumbling through life, trying to figure out how to do it a little more gracefully. In fact, they all were. Kevin no longer felt like he was the odd one out. This was a liberating realization for him, as well as the recognition that the often ungraceful nature of existence should be appreciated rather than constantly struggled against. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">For the first time, he began to truly understand the teachings of the Buddha. He realized that much of our suffering is self created, but there are also many external conditions that we have no control over. With that insight, he began to practice letting go of his desire for control. As he worked on fighting the illusion of control and breaking free from his past conditioning, he saw the people around him doing just the same. As he wisely told me, “what each of us needs is to find space and grace for ourselves and others.”</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">His favorite aspect of the Dharma Bum Temple was always the format of the Dharma Talks and Q&A sessions. When leaders and speakers answer questions at the temple, Kevin has always felt like he was being spoken to one-on-one, even while sitting in a room full of people. From this he recognized that everybody has their own variation of what are essentially the same problems. The teachings are tangible and seemingly easy to apply to his own life when talked through. Rationally, it all seemed to make perfect sense! </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Nonetheless, this love for the temple format proved problematic when he attended a Dharma Bum Life retreat to the San Diego Zen Center. The retreat consisted of long periods of meditation sittings. After each and every one, Kevin waited anxiously for a Dharma Talk. Nonetheless, after every meditation session came another, and Kevin found himself filled with anger and frustration; he was sick of sitting and breathing! But, just when he decided it was time to get up and leave, it clicked. The reason why he wanted to leave was the reason why he <i>needed</i> to be there. As much as he loved Dharma Talks, talking about Buddhism could only do so much. The simple act of sitting alone with his thoughts turned out to be the hardest part of his practice. Instead of leaning into it, he felt himself wanting to get angry and run away from it.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">With his graduation from the Dharma Bum Life Program, Kevin had completed his introduction to Buddhist practice. Nonetheless, he experienced a period of self sabotage not long after. “I still wasn’t ready to look in the mirror and take responsibility for my flaws yet,” he shared, “It was always in the back of my head, but I wasn’t ready yet.” Through the Dharma Bum Life Program, Kevin had discovered the foundational tools that would help him grow in many ways, but he chose not to pick them up for a little while. He described this as “a time of missed opportunities.” Eventually, after speaking with a variety of mentors and insightful people, he rediscovered all of the opportunities he’d been missing. He realized that they never actually went away; he just hadn’t been seeing them for a while.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">This year, Kevin became a member of the first inaugural class of the Engaged Buddhist Training Program, which is the temple’s modern version of the Dharma Bum Life Program. Kevin got a lot out of Dharma Bum Life, but allowed outside factors to distract him from his practice once it concluded. This time, he was ready to pick back up the tools he was handed years prior and truly put in the work to better himself. He began the Engaged Buddhist Training Program as an entirely different person than the one who completed the Dharma Bum Life Program. More importantly, the Engaged Buddhist Training Program was exactly and absolutely what he needed at this point in his life. <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/5325ee8a2c4dc3efd5cabaa9d55ebf52a0947a30/original/ebtp.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_right border_" /></span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Along with this program, the final step in Kevin’s Dharma Bum Temple journey was his participation in the Residential Retreat, in which he stayed at the temple for a week, abiding by the temple schedule and policies in order to practice concentration. He attended all of the programs and in each one he found immense value. In his reflections, he shared that he was especially surprised by the Recovery Program, as he didn’t expect that those classes would be as beneficial and impactful to him as they were. He was also surprised by the fact that sitting in meditation had become much easier for him. </span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">The area in which he found himself struggling this time around was in his downtime. Because he had been working all of his life, he’d become conditioned to believe that he must always be productive. His biggest challenge was shaking that belief and getting to mindfully experience his free time. Ultimately, like many temple programs had done in the past, the residential retreat sparked a true awareness of the path he must walk on.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/24ff6457d191b8c03f992b273f451a21202d31e9/original/screenshot-2023-12-01-at-2-11-43-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_left border_" />On December 15th, Kevin will be setting off for their move to Pittsburgh. He has been packing his essentials into a few boxes, and will be leaving everything else behind. Kevin has massively downsized on stuff, as he no longer holds onto things that he doesn’t need, nor does he let those things hold him back. I asked if he was scared about starting over. He responded by saying that for the first time since childhood, he has been experiencing that anticipatory rush that young children often feel on the last day of school, or perhaps during the holiday season. He is not scared by the possibility of potential, but invigorated! “The final chapters of my life are going to be written based on adventure,” Kevin told me, and he is equally as excited for the journey as he is the destination.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">In terms of leaving the Dharma Bum Temple, Kevin is admittedly devastated. Nevertheless, he is committed to continuing to support the temple as much as possible from a distance, remaining active from a remote setting and staying connected. Plus, his new doors in Pittsburgh will always be wide open to anybody from the Delta Beta Tau Sangha who might happen to pass through! Once he gets there, he will also be going back to Dharma shopping, hoping to find a space comparable to the Dharma Bum Temple.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Kevin sincerely loves and values the temple because not only has it given him hope for himself, but it gives him hope for the future. Kevin attended the recent Thanksgiving Food Redistribution and was once again touched by the diversity and number of people who committed part of their holiday to helping others. Kevin fell in love with the Dharma Bum Temple after his first food redistribution, so it is truly an honor that he came to participate in one more before setting off to begin this new chapter in his life.</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">On a more personal note, he shared that his spiritual and emotional development would never have progressed without the temple; “This was the only place that checked all the boxes: community, selflessness, and those Dharma Talks,” he beamed. His Residential Retreat in combination with the Engaged Buddhist Training Program transformed his practice from one that sometimes felt performative into a meaningful and highly personal one. When he took the precepts at the conclusion of the Engaged Buddhist Training Program, he realized how much more weight they carried this time around. Although he went through this same process years prior when he completed the Dharma Bum Life Program, this time Kevin took the precepts with profound intention!</span></p><p dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);">Now, Kevin incorporates Dharma practice into his life every day. Each morning before getting out of bed, he takes a moment to recognize everything he is grateful for. Afterwards, he listens to a recording of the Sublime States, followed by at least 10 minutes of breath meditation. Kevin has gone on an extensive journey with Buddhist practice, and despite having moments of disconnect and resistance, he has been able to take inspiration from so many practices and experiences that have resonated with and changed him in order to create his own, honest practice. This is probably the most significant thing that he will be taking to Pittsburgh with him – along with his dogs, of course! With all of these tools now stored in his back pocket, Kevin no longer struggles to find “simple joys;” they are everywhere and will surely continue to appear wherever he goes and shines his light! </span></p><p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/680a7ea8b3e7a6213d9053ddf8141915b709f69d/original/screenshot-2023-12-01-at-2-13-18-pm.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_orig justify_center border_" /></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><span style="color:rgb(0,0,0);"><i>With lots of love, appreciation, and a little bit of sadness, the Dharma Bum Temple wishes Kevin lots of joy and fulfillment as he enters this new stage in his life; we appreciate you!</i></span></p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"> </p><p style="text-align:center;" dir="ltr"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://thedharmabums.org/files/1261183/kevin.pdf" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:hsl(240,75%,60%);"><u>See more photos from Kevin's journey</u></span></a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/73043382023-11-15T15:39:42-08:002023-11-16T11:44:13-08:00Volunteers Needed: Annual Thanksgiving Food Redistribution Program<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:auto;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'>PLEASE SHARE THIS SPECIAL EVENT:<br><br>Dharma Bum Temple Annual Thanksgiving Food Redistribution Program at 10am!</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:auto;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'>Please join us at 10am (Prep Work) and/or 11:30am (Distribution) on Thanksgiving to help prepare vegetarian sandwiches (Peanut Butter & Jelly), package supplies (socks, hand sanitizers, warm hats), and distribute them to the people living on the streets of downtown San Diego. We will make sandwiches and package supplies from 10am-11:30am and then we will all head downtown together.<br><br>We have created and linked a special <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/1SASA37UUPCNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_ws_mJXgBbBP11D1C" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#0716f0;">Amazon Wish List</span></a> for this event. You are welcome to donate/purchase any of the supplies listed. Please note that although some items may say we need 10 or 20, you are welcome to just purchase as few or many as you are willing and able! </div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:auto;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'>You are also welcome to drop off peanut butter and jelly any time between now and Thanksgiving Day! We will need a lot of sliced bread as well. If you are willing to drop of loaves of sliced bread, please bring them to the Dharma Bum Temple ONLY ON WEDNESDAY between 12pm-7pm. </div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:auto;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'>
<br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.amazon.com/registry/wishlist/1SASA37UUPCNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_ep_ws_mJXgBbBP11D1C" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#0716f0;"><u>CLICK HERE FOR AMAZON WISHLIST</u></span></a>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:auto;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'>
<br>We look forward to seeing you soon!</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:auto;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'>
<br>NOTE: There will be no Food Redistribution this day at 5pm.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:auto;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;caret-color:rgb(5, 5, 5);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, ".SFNSText-Regular", sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:auto;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration:none;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:auto;word-spacing:0px;'><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/3680b389d5f561eb18eabeb89009720f6453a56f/original/fdr2023.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></div>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/72919002023-10-22T19:50:12-07:002023-10-22T20:02:22-07:002023 Year-End Fundraiser<div class="xdj266r x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/2dbc9f040cd42af63a9195d37610c611b612e9fa/original/screenshot-2023-10-22-194414.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Dear Friends,</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>As we come to the end of 2023, I look back on what has been an amazing and beautiful year at the Dharma Bum Temple. I have seen this little Temple grow at a rate faster than ever before. At a time where communities seem to be struggling to bring people together, we are flourishing. As we finish the year, I am incredibly pleased with the success of this past year and excited for the new year ahead!</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>When we began the Dharma Bum Temple at the end of 2006, we had a simple mission and vision of sharing the practice of Buddhism and meditation with everyone who shows up. Seventeen years later this has not changed and I am proud of everyone who has made this possible. I have been in this Temple every day for the past seventeen years and have never seen or felt the pain people carry with them as they do now. It has been a very difficult few years and I am incredibly grateful for the love and strength of this Sangha that has helped us all get thru each day.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Throughout 2023, we continued to offer our weekly meditation classes in-person and virtually including Intro to Buddhism, Loving-Kindness Meditation, Dharma Bum Basics, Tonglen Meditation, Day of Silence Retreats, Zen Practice and daily morning meditation. We added new programs such as the Engaged Buddhist Training Program, Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation, Residential Retreats, afternoon meditation Monday thru Friday, two new Recovery Dharma groups Monday and Friday evening, longer Zen practice on Sunday afternoons and our new Social Sangha has ventured around San Diego County with some amazing experiences while cultivating deeper spiritual friendships.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Our Outreach Programs continued to expand with our weekly Food Redistribution Program, weekly Prison Outreach at adult and juvenile facilities as well as a weekly Recovery Dharma Program at a mental health facility. The Homeless Hats Project met weekly all year making beanies (warm hats) to pass out to the people who live on the streets of downtown San Diego. This group led by an awesome volunteer team knitted nearly 1,500 hats for the people who sleep outside every night.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Our Recovery Sangha has been a steady home for those with addiction, meeting every day both virtually and in-person. Our Dharma Bum Volunteer Hosts continued to be a very welcome addition to the Temple. Our college group Delta Beta Tau stayed strong meeting twice a week with 23 new members and about 55 students meeting weekly for meditation. Our Family Sangha gathers once a month to be a support system for the parents and kids, while also holding social gatherings outside the Temple.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>It has been an incredible honor to once again host some of the best Buddhist teachers from around the globe as part of our Guest Dharma Teacher Program. We had an opportunity to host Korean Zen Master Pomnyun Sunim, the Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery Zeekgyab Tulku, Zen Teacher Ben Connelly, Tibetan Master Geshe Lobsang Tseten, Brother Michael from Deer Park Monastery, Sensei Sozui from Hidden Valley Zen Center, Theravada teacher Bob Isaacson, and Venerable Miao Zang from Hsi-Fang Temple.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Heading into 2024, we will have some new programs including a Women’s Buddhist Leadership Training Program and additional Engaged Buddhist Training Programs. We are already scheduling visiting guest Dharma Teachers and will be planning more social events for the community. This Thanksgiving we will have our annual Food Redistribution Event and feeding the people who sleep on the streets of downtown San Diego.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>As we wrap up 2023 and look forward to 2024, I say thank you! None of this could have been done without the endless effort of the volunteers that are the heartbeat of the Dharma Bum Temple. Every day people who enter this Temple touch the lives of so many others. You are the ones that make this place so incredible. You are the ones that make this place feel safe. You are the ones that make this place live and breathe. You are the Dharma Bum Temple. Thank you for making everything this past year possible, we are forever grateful!</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>At the end of each year, we look to you the community to make donations to help us sustain monthly expenses and pay down the debt of the building. This year however we have some major expenses upcoming and really need your help! We will be replacing 11 more windows that leak and need to be fixed to protect the building. We will be trenching the perimeter of the Temple and water proofing the building, to protect it from leaks for the next 50 years. Our fun project we hope to bring to life by the Spring time is a complete renovation of the Temple Garden, including an outdoor meditation garden for classes in the front of Temple, modeled after Ryoanji, the famous meditation rock garden in Japan (renderings to be shared soon!)</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Everything we do at the Dharma Bum Temple is free, however we have a lot of expenses and building debt, so I hope you will consider making a donation of any amount. The Dharma Bum Temple is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organizations and all donations are 100% tax-deductible.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>I know so many of you are recurring monthly donors and we are endlessly grateful for your ongoing support! I hope you may consider a one-time year-end donation as well to support our effort and help us cover these expenses.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>WAYS TO DONATE:</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>***You may donate here via our Facebook Fundraising Campaign as there are no fees: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/304300835710589/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#3300ff;">https://www.facebook.com/donate/304300835710589/</span></a>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>***You may donate via the DBT website here: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedharmabums.org%2Fone-time-donation%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3mdRWbGaSc7X152jZQ_pz9oWMe7h56UiDfsUBBdAR9hvqfS9Xa-WSOEd0&h=AT1fPjlNPjjNk6FGsvdJ65938KKADC4kTZtSHb1q8lpHmJJIlsvK90LHs4eEwGCdY_8JtlXvGHOLeRQyGbX-ROCnn_Cyp4iOuj5l3lKx-1gljwmHHSGgAhnb6V7y4urFfQPL" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:#3300ff;">https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation</span></a>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>***You may <span style="color:#3300ff;">Venmo @DBT2023</span>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>***You may donate via PayPal <a class="no-pjax" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpaypal.me%2FDharmaBumTemple%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2UT6Y-nkugUJpzy2kY9bdlbHTR5cq5tG60u6OjOoV2geWR5FyEUOnjGjc&h=AT3ewBP0tTDKpSxrGny_xS4RfxR0dNmUGKaDi2FKMWxqPHolmRg3wEIWRXcYy14r6d5p_UeQN5QWv1UPdubVFW_KJy72S0siPbj6xmp-0vToGao6eJkZb-bRVH1bCYCCUJrD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:#3300ff;">paypal.me/DharmaBumTemple</span></a>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>***You may mail a check made out to Dharma Bum Temple to 4144 Campus Avenue San Diego, CA 92103</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>***You may drop a check in the donation box at the Dharma Bum Temple</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>It is my incredible honor to be of service to this community. Your continuous support is deeply appreciated and I thank you! Our intention has always been to build a safe place to study and practice Buddhism while coming together as a community. I am beyond proud of everyone who works so hard to make this little Dharma Bum Temple such a special place!</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Yours in the Dharma, </div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Jeffrey Zlotnik </div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Co-Founder & CEO</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><p style="text-align:center;"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/304300835710589/" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Donate via Facebook"><span style="color:#3300ff;">Donate via Facebook</span></a><span style="color:#3300ff;"> / </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation" target="_blank" data-link-type="url" contents="Donate via website"><span style="color:#3300ff;">Donate via website</span></a> / <span style="color:#3300ff;">Venmo @dbt2023</span> / <a class="no-pjax" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fpaypal.me%2FDharmaBumTemple%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2UT6Y-nkugUJpzy2kY9bdlbHTR5cq5tG60u6OjOoV2geWR5FyEUOnjGjc&h=AT3ewBP0tTDKpSxrGny_xS4RfxR0dNmUGKaDi2FKMWxqPHolmRg3wEIWRXcYy14r6d5p_UeQN5QWv1UPdubVFW_KJy72S0siPbj6xmp-0vToGao6eJkZb-bRVH1bCYCCUJrD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noreferrer" role="link" tabindex="0"><span style="color:#3300ff;">paypal.me/DharmaBumTemple</span></a><br> </p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/72821002023-10-03T08:11:49-07:002023-10-16T07:53:37-07:00Abbot Of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery: Zeekgyab Tulku - Tuesday October 3rd at 7pm<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Tehor Khanze Zeekgyab Tulku, Tenzin Thupten Rabgyal, was born on October 8, 1983 to Mr. Pasang Tsewang and Mrs. Youdon in Kolapur, South India. In 1986, His Holiness the Dalai Lama recognized Tenzin Thupten Rabgyal as the 5th reincarnation of Kachen Lobsang Thupten Nyendak Namgyal (4th Zeekgyab Tulku).</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Rinpoche was received at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery, South India, on September 14, 1986 with a formal ceremony led by many Tehor Lamas and monks. After his Enthronement Ceremony at Tashi Lhunpo, Rinpoche started learning Tibetan reading and writing and the memorization of prayers.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">In 1989, Zeekgyab Rinpoche received his Novice vows from His Holiness the Dalai Lama and then His Holiness instructed Zeekgyab Rinpoche to go to Gaden Jangtse Monastery to start his formal education. Upon his arrival at Gaden Jangtse Monastery, Khensur Jetsun Lobsang Choney was appointed as his Teacher. From that day onwards, Rinpoche started the study of the five major Buddhist Texts under his Teacher’s guidance. Also, during this time, Rinpoche completed all his examinations at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. Rinpoche received his Fully Ordained vows from His Holiness the Dalai Lama.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">In 2000, after six years of studying the Prajnaparamita, Rinpoche gave his examination in front of the Monks Assembly of Gaden Jangtse Monastery.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">From 2007 to 2009, Rinpoche was teaching the Buddhist texts at Gaden Jangtse Monastery. Then in 2008 due to poor health, Rinpoche was instructed by His Holiness the Dalai Lama to complete his Geshe Examination. To qualify for the Geshe Degree, the student must undergo the vast and extensive traditional monastic studies on the five major treatises of Buddhist philosophical texts [The Perfection of Wisdom (as elaborated upon by Maitreya in the Abhisamayalamkara); Chandrakirti's commentary on Nagarjuna's root text on Madhyamaka; Dharmakirti's Pramanavarttika — Compendium on Valid Cognition; Vasubandhu's Abhidharmakosha; and Vinaya (studies in monastic discipline).</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">In 2010, Rinpoche went to Gyudmed Tantric Monastery to study Tantra for one year. Also, in that year, Rinpoche completed his Kachen Examination at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">From 2011 to present, Rinpoche has been teaching at Tashi Lhunpo Monastery. At the end of 2018, Rinpoche received confirmation of appointment of Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery by His Holiness the Dalai Lama. On February 11, 2019, Rinpoche had the official Enthronement Ceremony as Abbot of Tashi Lhunpo Monastery.</div>
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</div>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/72722682023-09-12T13:00:03-07:002023-09-27T11:25:21-07:00Engaged Buddhist Training Program - Program Full<div class="zoogle-columns zoogle-columns-1 zoogle-columns-100 default-section-style padding-none title-alignment-left block block-row layout_full" style="--auto-colors-accent-dark-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-dark:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-dark-hsl),0.35);--auto-colors-accent-half-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-half:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-half-hsl),0.1);--auto-colors-accent-heavy-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-heavy:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-heavy-hsl),0.5);--auto-colors-accent-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-slight-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-slight:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-slight-hsl),0.05);--auto-colors-accent:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-hsl),0.2);--auto-colors-highlight-text-hsl:var(--link-color-h),calc(var(--link-color-s)*1%),calc((var(--link-color-l) - 75)*-100%);--auto-colors-highlight-text:hsla(var(--auto-colors-highlight-text-hsl),var(--link-color-a));--auto-colors-highlight:var(--link-color);--auto-colors-text-tertiary-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-text-tertiary:hsla(var(--auto-colors-text-tertiary-hsl),0.5);--columns-half-margin:4;--columns-half-width:48;--columns-third-margin:3.5;--columns-third-width:31;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(245, 244, 245);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Assistant, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;padding-block:var(--section-padding, 0);position:relative;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" data-row-id="17465647" id="feature_row_17465647"><div class="zoogle-columns-inner site-wrap" style="--legacy-content-width:960px;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:space-between;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;max-width:var(--legacy-content-width);position:relative;"><div class="zoogle-column zoogle-column-1-of-1 col_1_of_1 layout_full" style="box-sizing:border-box;width:960px;" data-column-id="20624683" id="feature_column_20624683"><div class="zoogle-feature block layout_full" style="box-sizing:border-box;" data-block-id="20494244" id="feature_block_20494244"><section data-feature-id="4925767" data-controller="content-width" data-content-width-name="feature" id="text_feature_4925767" feature-width=">100 >120 >140 >160 >180 >200 >220 >240 >260 >280 >300 >320 >340 >360 >380 >400 >420 >440 >460 >480 >500 >520 >540 >560 >580 >600 >620 >640 >660 >680 >700 >720 >740 >760 >780 >800 >820 >840 >860 >880 >900 >920 <940 <960 <980 <1000 <1020 <1040 <1060 <1080 <1100 <1120 <1140 <1160 <1180 <1200 <1220 <1240 <1260 <1280 <1300 <1320 <1340 <1360 <1380 <1400"><div style="box-sizing:border-box;" data-controller="zoogle-video" data-action="message@window->zoogle-video#handleVimeoPostMessage"><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="color:rgb(230,77,77);"><strong>8 Weeks, 6 Paramitas, 2 Retreats, 1 Temple, 0 Dollars</strong></span><br><span style="color:rgb(230,77,77);"><strong>Saturdays 2pm - 5pm & Community Service</strong></span><br><span style="color:rgb(230,77,77);"><strong>September 30th - November 18th</strong></span></p></div></section></div></div></div></div><div class="zoogle-columns zoogle-columns-1 zoogle-columns-100 default-section-style padding-none title-alignment-left block block-row layout_full" style="--auto-colors-accent-dark-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-dark:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-dark-hsl),0.35);--auto-colors-accent-half-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-half:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-half-hsl),0.1);--auto-colors-accent-heavy-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-heavy:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-heavy-hsl),0.5);--auto-colors-accent-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-slight-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-accent-slight:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-slight-hsl),0.05);--auto-colors-accent:hsla(var(--auto-colors-accent-hsl),0.2);--auto-colors-highlight-text-hsl:var(--link-color-h),calc(var(--link-color-s)*1%),calc((var(--link-color-l) - 75)*-100%);--auto-colors-highlight-text:hsla(var(--auto-colors-highlight-text-hsl),var(--link-color-a));--auto-colors-highlight:var(--link-color);--auto-colors-text-tertiary-hsl:var(--text-color-h),calc(var(--text-color-s)*1%),calc(var(--text-color-l)*1%);--auto-colors-text-tertiary:hsla(var(--auto-colors-text-tertiary-hsl),0.5);--columns-half-margin:4;--columns-half-width:48;--columns-third-margin:3.5;--columns-third-width:31;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(245, 244, 245);box-sizing:border-box;color:rgb(0, 0, 0);font-family:Assistant, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;padding-block:var(--section-padding, 0);position:relative;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;" data-row-id="17465342" id="feature_row_17465342"><div class="zoogle-columns-inner site-wrap" style="--legacy-content-width:960px;box-sizing:border-box;display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;justify-content:space-between;margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;max-width:var(--legacy-content-width);position:relative;"><div class="zoogle-column zoogle-column-1-of-1 col_1_of_1 layout_full" style="box-sizing:border-box;width:960px;" data-column-id="20624329" id="feature_column_20624329"><div class="zoogle-feature block layout_full" style="box-sizing:border-box;" data-block-id="20493913" id="feature_block_20493913"><section data-feature-id="4925689" data-controller="content-width" data-content-width-name="feature" id="text_feature_4925689" feature-width=">100 >120 >140 >160 >180 >200 >220 >240 >260 >280 >300 >320 >340 >360 >380 >400 >420 >440 >460 >480 >500 >520 >540 >560 >580 >600 >620 >640 >660 >680 >700 >720 >740 >760 >780 >800 >820 >840 >860 >880 >900 >920 <940 <960 <980 <1000 <1020 <1040 <1060 <1080 <1100 <1120 <1140 <1160 <1180 <1200 <1220 <1240 <1260 <1280 <1300 <1320 <1340 <1360 <1380 <1400"><div style="box-sizing:border-box;" data-controller="zoogle-video" data-action="message@window->zoogle-video#handleVimeoPostMessage">
<p><span style="color:rgb(230,77,77);"><i><strong>Description: </strong></i></span></p>
<p>Meditation and Buddhist practice are often explored as a way to help you find peace of mind, while living a kind and gentle life. This program is focused on helping others in addition to yourself, which will allow you to cultivate the conditions to open your heart and mind.</p>
<p>The Engaged Buddhist Training Program is held for 8-weeks meeting twice a week. One weekly gathering will occur every Saturday from 2pm-5pm at the Dharma Bum Temple for meditation, Dharma talks, trainings, discussions, and book study. The other weekly gathering (date and time will be flexible) will be located somewhere in San Diego while providing community service. There will be two retreats on a Saturday from 8am-12pm where we will visit other Buddhist Temples/Monasteries for meditation and reflection. On retreat days, the afternoon meeting schedule will be modified accordingly. The program will conclude with a formal Taking Refuge in the Triple Gem and Five Precept Ceremony.</p>
<p><span style="color:rgb(230,77,77);"><i><strong>Requirements:</strong></i></span></p>
<ul style="list-style-type:disc;">
<li>Meet once a week on Saturday from 2pm-5pm at the Dharma Bum Temple. Must attend every class, unless there is an emergency situation or illness.</li>
<li>Two half-day meditation retreats on Saturday at places like Hidden Valley Zen Center, Pao Fa Temple, Deer Park Monastery, Metta Forest Monastery or Dharma Bum Temple.</li>
<li>2 hours of community service hours each week with other group members. Service hours will vary, so you should be able to make it work with your existing responsibilities.</li>
<li>20 minutes per day of personal meditation practice.</li>
<li>Book Study – Book to be announced and provided at the start of the program.</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="color:rgb(230,77,77);"><i><strong>To Apply: </strong></i></span></p>
<p>This program will be limited to 18 people, whom you will meet with weekly at the Dharma Bum Temple. This will be your community of practitioners throughout the program. <span style="color:#0716f0;"><u>PROGRAM IS NOW FULL</u></span></p>
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</div></section></div></div></div></div>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/72700952023-09-07T16:01:20-07:002023-09-07T16:01:20-07:00Korean Zen Master: Venerable Pomnyun Sunim - Tuesday September 12th at 7pm<p><span style="color:rgb(10,10,10);">Ven. Pomnyun is the founder and the guiding Dharma teacher of Jungto Society. A volunteer run organization modeled after the sangha, it was created to address problems and crises of today’s world based on a Buddhist world view that all beings are interconnected. Under Ven. Pomnyun’s guidance, members aspire to embody Buddhist teachings and the life of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas by making themselves happy and free and contributing to making this world a better place to live for everyone.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(10,10,10);">Ven. Pomnyun is also well known for his unique ways of engaging audiences in live Q&A sessions. His talks occur in public places like community centers, libraries, universities and churches and are free of charge. This way, people from in all walks of life and from different ages and religious backgrounds can easily come. He is also freer to use everyday language to engage with the audience than he would be in traditional Buddhist temple settings. Responding to a variety of questions that people ask, Ven. Pomnyun shows how we can apply the insights and wisdom of Buddhist teaching in tackling issues in our everyday lives, such as feelings of stress, anxiety or sadness, as well as social issues. His recorded Dharma Q&A on YouTube and podcasts have also healed and inspired people around the world.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(10,10,10);">Ven. Pomnyun seeks to spread the message of happiness and freedom. He firmly believes everyone can, and have the right to, be happy and free. This is made possible by becoming free of suffering and free from worldly attachment. To that end, he relies on Buddha’s teachings that resonate after more than 2500 years. You seek enlightenment while saving sentient beings: you make yourself happy and free, then you use your time and energy to help address the sources of sufferings of others be it discrimination, poverty, or regional conflicts. You have peace in your mind and you have compassion towards other people. This is the way of a Bodhisattva.</span></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/72300332023-06-21T08:09:39-07:002023-12-08T13:06:22-08:00New Community Outreach Program: Buddhist Recovery for Overcoming Addiction<p><span>We are pleased to share that the Dharma Bum Temple has started a new community outreach program at Alvarado Parkway Institute (API) Center for Mental Health and Addictive Disorders. We are now leading a weekly Buddhist Recovery meeting currently led by Molly, Maria and Aaron. Thank you to so many people who played a part in this program coming together, allowing us to now share the program with the larger recovery community. </span><br><br><span>I am also pleased to share the Dharma Bum Temple will be offering a new Recovery Dharma meeting on Monday nights at 7pm starting July 31st in the downstairs Buddha for You Meditation Hall. This will be in addition to our current Recovery Dharma meeting which is now offered Friday at 7pm. </span><br><br><span>API is a private, physician-owned behavioral health system offering inpatient and outpatient psychiatric and substance use disorder services. We are dedicated to the wellness of individuals, their families, and our community through prevention, intervention, and treatment in a safe and culturally sensitive environment.</span><br><br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://apibhs.com/"><span>https://apibhs.com/</span></a></p><p> </p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/70c1fc297ce4e97d4bbec56ca785a85e0432cca1/original/api.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/72171042023-05-28T14:56:28-07:002023-06-14T02:21:32-07:00New Wednesday Class Starts July 5th - Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation<p><span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/e37e392168b7b3ceeb8ce89f1a8688beec70a51a/original/4-brahma-viharas.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_m justify_center border_" />We are excited to announce a new weekly class starting Wednesday July 5th at the Dharma Bum Temple!</span><br><br><span>Buddhist Mindfulness Meditation: The 4 Establishments of Mindfulness and the 4 Brahma Viharas (Heart Practices) as taught by the Buddha</span><br><br><span>In the opening of the Sutra on the Four Establishments of Mindfulness (Satipatthana Sutra), the Buddha said, “Bhikkhus, there is a most wonderful way to help living beings realize purification, overcome directly grief and sorrow, end pain and anxiety, travel the right path, and realize nirvana. This way is the Four Establishments of Mindfulness.”</span><br><br><span>The Buddha used the metaphor of the two wings of a bird to describe Mindfulness practice: One wing represents awareness of what is present in us. The other wing represents a kind, loving and non-judgmental attention to what we are experiencing. This class explores the potent connection of Buddhist Mindfulness with the 4 Brahma Viharas of Loving Kindness, Compassion, Empathetic Joy and Equanimity as taught by the Buddha and how these teachings are intimately linked with one another on the path towards liberation of mental suffering.</span><br><br><span>This class is open to people from all backgrounds and levels of experience who would like to live a life based in kindness, non-harming, deepening self-awareness and practicing mindfully in a community setting. Feel free to join us whenever you can on Wednesday night.</span><br><br><span>This class is offered by Bettina Heitmann who has been a dedicated Buddhist practitioner for 20 years. She has practiced meditation and studied Buddhist psychology at temples and retreat centers, co-led Buddhist Sanghas and services and has attended numerous silent Buddhist meditation retreats. She is a graduate of the 2-year Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification Program with Jack Kornfield and Tara Brach. Bettina is committed to on-going learning across cultures and co-creating an understanding of people’s diverse life experiences.</span><br><br><span>We stream live on our YouTube channel, so check it out and subscribe: </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.youtube.com/user/thedharmabumtemple"><span>https://www.youtube.com/user/thedharmabumtemple</span></a><br><br><span>For more information, please visit </span><a class="no-pjax" href="www.thedharmabums.org"><span>www.thedharmabums.org</span></a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/71906092023-04-14T15:27:54-07:002023-04-14T15:27:54-07:00Volunteer with Dharma Bum Temple at SD Pride Festival<div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Dharma Bum Temple has the beautiful opportunity to volunteer with San Diego Pride the day after the Pride Festival in Balboa Park. We will be putting together a volunteer team of 40-50 people to help on Monday July 17th from 7am-2pm. This is the day after the Pride Festival, a time when volunteers are needed the most.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'><div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">San Diego Pride will provide us with free coffee, food & water and it will be a great time! If you sign up to volunteer, you will also receive free passes to the Pride Festival on Saturday and Sunday.</div></div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Please RSVP Here: <a class="no-pjax" href="https://ticketstripe.com/volunteeratsdpridefestival?fbclid=IwAR3KPnQgXXQQEG4-6SIvbNeNFCb44PNnnA4xd2B3PCPhe2vdIp2_7uLdyAA" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>https://ticketstripe.com/volunteeratsdpridefestival</span></a>
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<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">Thank you for being of service!</div>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:left;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:pre-wrap;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto">We have a new Facebook Group as well for the day, please share it!</div>
<div style="font-family:inherit;text-align:start;" dir="auto"><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/226499960031514/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZXwTTcTUAg2JIyAEZKRaiAkE3kPXufCQb4Gx9SafAaMZse8jhLXOS6uobDAzav1h4LVI8unSyjDR2y46IoJvUibBlvPlbzJXOXEMv3yp7wFfNkxck5pe-9-f7eIOYX6S-w&__tn__=-UK-R" role="link" tabindex="0"><span>https://www.facebook.com/groups/226499960031514</span></a></div>
</div>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/71873612023-04-10T18:06:19-07:002023-04-10T20:59:48-07:00Zen Teacher Ben Connelly: Vasubandhu’s “Three Natures”: A Practitioner’s Guide for Liberation<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/b227a10e2d9e9e33f6959c8ad2934cff9e78744c/original/ben-connelly-interview-1200x628-1-600x314.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:center;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>SPECIAL GUEST BEN CONNELLY: TUESDAY APRIL 25TH AT 7PM</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xdj266r" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>The Dharma Bum Temple's Guest Dharma Teacher Program welcomes Soto Zen Teacher Ben Connelly on Tuesday April 25th at 7pm. All events are free and all are welcome. Please share this free and special event!</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Imagination, Interdependence, and Liberation. Practicing Yogacara Buddhism with Vasubandhu’s "Three Natures".</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Dive into this empowering approach to freedom from suffering and from harmful personal and social patterns—and find peace and joyfulness in the present.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>In his new book, Vasubandhu’s “Three Natures,” a plain-English commentary, Ben Connelly shows the power of integrating early Buddhist psychology with the Mahāyāna emphasis on collective liberation. You’ll discover how wisdom from fourth-century India can be harnessed to heal and transform systems of harm within ourselves and our communities.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>You can find the book here:<br><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/Vasubandhus-Three-Natures/Ben-Connelly/9781614297536?fbclid=IwAR2Qd-t7WKfLaDBCrUZydDI07b5ZsGc-Aqlcudztd_7JAnk2Ik49Pcgndrw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0">https://www.simonandschuster.com/.../Ben.../9781614297536</a>
</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Bio</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Ben Connelly is a Soto Zen teacher and Dharma heir in the Katagiri lineage. He also teaches mindfulness in a wide variety of secular contexts including police training and addiction recovery groups. He works with multifaith groups focused on intersectional liberation, racial justice, and climate justice. Ben serves the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center, travels to teach across the United States, has written for Tricycle and Lion’s Roar magazines, and is author of Inside the Grass Hut, Inside Vasubandhu's Yogacara, Vasubandhu's "Three Natures", and Mindfulness and Intimacy.</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'> </div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>Endorsements:</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>"A remarkable book . . . powerful and lucid." -Roshi Joan Halifax, founding abbot, Upaya Zen Center</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>"Inspiring…opens many doors to personal and social transformation, sorely needed." -Dr. Larry Ward, author of America’s Racial Karma</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>“Connelly’s insightful and often moving commentary displays the profound relevance of Vasubandhu’s Yogācāra philosophy both to personal practice and to the wider social world.” -Jonathan Gold, Professor of Religion, Princeton University</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>“...shows us how to understand and embody the mystery of Vasubandhu’s teachings without getting lost in esoterica and spiritual bypassing.” -Pamela Ayo Yetunde, Th.D. Co-editor, Black and Buddhist</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>“Beautifully written, it fuses lucid explanations of often difficult Yogacara ideas with attention to everyday concerns in a way that can help all of us apply Buddhist wisdom to the lives we live in the twenty-first century. ” - Roger R. Jackson, author of Mind Seeing Mind and Rebirth</div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s" style='-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);color:rgb(5, 5, 5);font-family:"Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;font-size:15px;font-style:normal;font-variant-caps:normal;font-variant-ligatures:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;margin:0.5em 0px 0px;orphans:2;overflow-wrap:break-word;text-align:start;text-decoration-color:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;white-space:normal;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;'>“...a rare and welcome combination of scholarship and insight born of deep study and practice. The goal of human flourishing and freedom from suffering is at the center of his exposition of every verse.” -Anantanand Rambachan Author of A Hindu Theology of Liberation</div>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/71825612023-04-01T16:06:41-07:002023-04-08T20:42:04-07:00Spring Fundraiser 2023<p>Dear Friends,</p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Every Spring for my birthday it is an honor to humbly raise money for the Dharma Bum Temple. I remember the old downtown Dharma Bum Temple days when the greatest pressure was making sure we raised a few bucks to pay rent and the electric bill. Seventeen years into leading the Dharma Bum Temple and six years into the new location, I would not change anything we have done (well maybe a few things)!</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">The pressure now is definitely different, but the number of lives we touch make it all worthwhile. The reality is we never could have grown into the organization we are today in the old location. We used a metaphor back then that we were like a plant in a pot that was too small and getting crushed by its barrier. So now the barrier is much larger, allowing us to grow. However, this comes with major expenses that we did not need to address in the past.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">We have completed many capital improvement projects since we arrived in 2017, thanks to so many amazing donors. There are a few more major projects on our wish list, some of them necessary and some of them would simply be nice to have.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Our immediate need is to replace the 25-year-old HVAC unit with a new heat pump system allowing us to utilize both heat and air to keep people comfortable. In addition to this, the residential area would install a mini split system, as night time it reaches temperatures in the 40s.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Also, an immediate need is the foundation on the south side of the building that needs a concrete barrier so we can stop the water from coming in below the building. This would require trenching the side of the building and pouring cement to secure the building from any water damage.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Another major step will be to complete the window restoration project. While the main hall has been completed, there is the rest of the building that needs to be fixed. As in the main hall, many of the windows around the Temple either do not open or leak and for the longevity of the structure need to be replaced.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">We have a beautiful new project in the design phase which is the Temple Garden Project. This will include a complete remake of the garden area which will also add an outdoor meditation space to be used during the day and for classes when the San Diego weather is nice and warm. Some of the design photos will be attached here soon in this campaign.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">These are items we have identified that either need to be done or will be done in the near future. This does not account for any other items that arise simply due to the nature of a 96-year-old building. We also have the remaining $450,000 in debt that we owe on the mortgage, so we can be free and clear of this expense moving forward.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Our current temple schedule of classes and programs is running smoothly and busier than ever! Our morning meditation Monday-Friday continues to start each day with a beautiful practice. Our weekly evening 7pm schedule remains full with our Zen Buddhism class on Monday, Intro to Buddhism on Tuesday, Loving-Kindness Meditation on Wednesday, Dharma Bum Basics on Thursday, a new Recovery Dharma Program on Fridays, and Tonglen Meditation on Sunday. The Recovery Sangha for those battling addiction has stayed strong with meetings on Saturday and Sunday mornings as well as Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and now Friday evenings. The Homeless Hats Project: Knit and Sit is a special group of volunteers meeting weekly and has made over 1,000 warm hats for people who live on the streets. Delta Beta Tau is our college outreach program and they are thriving gathering multiple times a week at SDSU for meditation, community service, guest speakers and retreats. The Family Sangha gathers once a month, a time for parents, kids, toddlers and teens. We have successfully returned to hosting our monthly Day of Silence Retreats. The Food Redistribution Program is thriving with a solid group of committed volunteers. We are returning to provide meditation in the Prison system starting with the juvenile detention facilities. Our Special Guest Program is back as we host a Tibetan Lama in March and a Zen Teacher and author in April. Two new programs that have launched are the Engaged Buddhist Training Programs and the Sangha Social Crew. In addition to all of this, we continue to offer almost all of our classes virtually as well, for those who are unable to attend or simply do not live in San Diego. Our reach is literally now global and this is a tremendous honor. As you can see, we have been incredibly busy and touching thousands of lives.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">We say everything we do at the Dharma Bum Temple is free and that is the truth, we do not charge for any of our classes or programs. We do however have monthly expenses, major capital improvements in addition to remaining building debt. I hope you will consider making a donation of any amount to help us cover some of these costs. The Dharma Bum Temple is a 501(c)(3) NPO and all donations are 100% tax-deductible.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">WAYS TO DONATE WITH LINKS BELOW:</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">***You may donate via our </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/866065474470734/" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(51,0,255);"><u>Facebook Fundraising Campaign</u></span></a><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);"> with no fees</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">***You may donate online via the </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation" target="_blank"><span style="color:rgb(51,0,255);"><u>DBT website</u></span></a></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">***You may </span><span style="color:rgb(51,0,255);">Venmo @dharmabumtemple</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">***You may drop a check made out to Dharma Bum Temple in the donation box or mail to: </span><span style="color:rgb(24,30,255);">4144 Campus Avenue San Diego, CA 92103</span><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">I want to send a special thank you to all of our existing monthly donors, without you none of this is possible! We are truly touched by your support and hope you will consider a one-time donation for this fundraising campaign.</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">As Co-Founder and CEO, it is an honor to be of service to this community. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us Dharma Bums over the years. Our intention has always been to build a safe place to study and practice Buddhism while coming together as a community. I continue to be incredibly proud of everyone who works so hard to make this little Temple such a spectial place. Your continuous support is beautiful, deeply appreciated and I thank you!</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Yours in the Dharma,</span></p><p><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">Jeffrey Zlotnik</span></p><p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/4e17f3363d7f78221d8a783c3acb0d911cb28e54/original/fbfr1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/71746672023-03-19T17:51:59-07:002023-03-24T13:40:23-07:00Social Sangha Visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden<img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/e298b48d33fb14aa3df8b6088f8f9bfe1b5e6a96/original/img-1614.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><p><span style="color:rgb(80,0,80);">An early burst of cherry blossoms, stunning pools of Koi, vintage bonsai and Asian art all greeted the Social Sangha's gathering at The Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park on February 26. It was a perfect Zen place to share about each other's practice (at DBT and </span><span style="color:rgb(34,34,34);">beyond), connect and learn more about our Sangha members while </span><span style="color:rgb(80,0,80);">meandering amidst nature's here/now beauty. </span><span style="color:rgb(5,5,5);">This was a wonderful outing. Once we assembled the group under the DBT sign, we entered the garden for a few hours of socializing. A special surprise was the statue of Kannon (Japan) [we also know as Kwan Yin (China) Chenrezig (Tibet), and Avalokitesvara.] Their mantra is OM MANI PADME HUM. </span></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/71569302023-02-19T14:16:39-08:002023-03-19T17:53:10-07:00Social Sangha Success: Next Event Planned for February 26th at 2pm<p><span style="color:#050505;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/s:bzglfiles/u/117213/e6df4afa43c4c42efa9cfd17fc275dac099e74f7/original/sangha-social-crew-2023.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==" class="size_l justify_center border_" />After a great first event in January (visiting Crestridge Ecological Reserve!), DBT Sangha Social Crew will host its next gathering in and around the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park – the Garden offers beautiful opportunities to reflect on many aspects of nature and art, from the koi ponds and bonsai gallery to spring blooms and remarkable statuary. We’ll share a leisurely exploration of the Garden, followed by tea/coffee in or around one of the nearby cafes.</span></p><p><span style="color:#050505;">We will be meeting February 26th at 2 p.m. at the Tea Cafe next to the Japanese Friendship Garden Entrance. Carpool drivers/riders are asked to meet outside DBT at 1:30 p.m.</span></p><p><span style="color:#050505;">Details: The Garden has a small entry fee, offered at half-price ($7) during Museum Month in February.</span></p><p><span style="color:#050505;">Important note: To get half off you need to just put your name and email </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://sandiegomuseumcouncil.org/museum-month-2023-digital-pass/?fbclid=IwAR0BnZCzAfW7VJYer3XaqkVa-IgjTXTtuEQnc6EbgvNGk3nIersuBdcGZTc" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0716F0;"><strong>at this link</strong></span></a><span style="color:#050505;"> for four 50% off passes to 60+ museums. Hopefully enough people do this to compensate for the people that don't. </span></p><p><a class="no-pjax" href="https://www.facebook.com/events/958088805193004?ref=newsfeed" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0716F0;">Click here for Facebook Event Page</span></a><span style="color:#050505;"> or visit </span><a class="no-pjax" href="https://thedharmabums.org/sangha-social-crew" target="_blank" data-link-type="url"><span style="color:#0716F0;">https://thedharmabums.org/sangha-social-crew</span></a><span style="color:#050505;"> for more details.</span></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/71248442022-12-18T13:03:23-08:002023-12-10T10:08:25-08:00New Sangha Social Crew<p>The Social Sangha Crew at the Dharma Bum Temple will be planning trips to various Buddhist Temples, afternoon picnics in the park, walking meditation outings, full moon hikes, movie nights and more! It’s an exciting time to be alive so let’s share it with our beautiful community!</p>
<p>Special thanks to Brian, Chaz, Baxter, Suzanne, Katrina, Eric and Leita for getting our Social Sangha Crew off to a beautiful start with a meeting on 12/17/22. More details coming soon about the first event in January and a year long schedule of events to be planned in the near future. </p>
<p>If interested in more social events via the Dharma Bum Temple, please join the FB group below. All information will also be shared on the website and newsletter. </p>
<p><a contents="Social Sangha Facebook Group" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/2483421905132064/?ref=share_group_link" target="_blank">Social Sangha Facebook Group</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>Our first event will be on Sunday January 29th at 1:30pm at the Crestridge Ecological Reserve just past El Cajon. The Crestridge Ecological Reserve is approximately a 2,800 acre property that preserves the north-south linkage connecting the Lakeside Ecological Reserve to San Diego National Wildlife Refuge. Come join us for beautiful views and even more beautiful conversation while we commune with nature. </p>
<p>For those who would like to carpool, see details below. </p>
<p>Carpool details: </p>
<p>Please plan to meet in front of the temple at 12:45 pm. You may park across the street at the Education administration parking lot. </p>
<p>Event details: </p>
<p>Address: 1181 Horsemill Rd, El Cajon, CA 92021 <br>We’ll be meeting at the Main Entrance. There should be plenty of parking along the street. <br>Website: https://wildlife.ca.gov/Lands/Places-to-Visit/Crestridge-ER </p>
<p>There will be the option of a 2.5 mile loop, a shorter flatter 1 mile loop, or just hang out and enjoy the Oak grove! Bring plenty of water, snacks, and if you would like to relax at the grove please bring a chair or picnic blanket…</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/71106512022-11-25T18:32:32-08:002022-11-25T18:34:03-08:00Thanksgiving Day Food Redistribution Program<p>Thank you to everyone who came out for the Annual Thanksgiving Day Food Redistribution Program. We passed out approximately 400 sandwiches, 300 pairs of socks, 500 hand sanitizer packets, 200 bottles of water, 100 warm hats from the DBT Homeless Hats Program, 100 emergency blankets, a lot of slices of pie and other generously donated food. </p>
<p>So many people were involved in making today happen and we are incredibly grateful. This is the practice of Dana (generosity) and it was beautiful that everyone worked together to make this possible. Thank you to everyone who donated the supplies, food and other necessary items for today. Your support is amazing and deeply appreciated. </p>
<p>We look forward to the Food Redistribution Program returning on a weekly basis starting Thursday January 12th at 5pm.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/47ddd8ae776326024946ff3a0a2cc90e32a56212/original/img-4689.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/df237ef36ba2dd82d37b2a4a5f1ff0df01d7933c/original/img-4679.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/982433a43ac90b64f83714371404c96de5fafd88/original/img-4665.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/70919332022-10-30T17:58:37-07:002022-11-15T08:59:23-08:00Dharma Bum Temple Year-End Fundraiser<p>Dear Friends,</p>
<p>As we come to the end of 2022, I look back on what has been a very challenging yet tremendous year at the Dharma Bum Temple. We have overcome so many obstacles during the pandemic, serving the community when it needed us the most. We were forced to be resilient and ensure that we continue to provide a safe space both in-person and virtually for all who benefit from our programs. As we finish this year, I can comfortably say we have successfully returned to a full schedule in-person at the Dharma Bum Temple and grown our virtual Sangha for those around the globe.</p>
<p>We began 2022 with an eager anticipation to return to normal, whatever normal even means these days. However, we quickly had to close for two months as the Omicron virus was spreading rapidly, especially here in San Diego. We opened our physical doors once again in March of this year and have been open ever since. I have been in this Temple every day for the past sixteen years and I have never seen or felt the pain people carry with them as they do now. It has been a very heavy two years and I am incredibly grateful for the love and strength of this Sangha that has helped us all get thru each day.</p>
<p>Throughout 2022, we continued to offer our weekly meditation classes in-person and virtually including Intro to Buddhism, Loving-Kindness Meditation, Dharma Bum Basics, Tonglen Meditation and Zen Practice. We have been able to offer our daily morning meditation both in-person and virtually. Our Recovery Sangha has been a steady rock for those who battle addiction, meeting multiple times a week both virtually and in-person. We introduced new Dharma Bum Volunteer Hosts who have been a welcome addition to the Temple. Our college group Delta Beta Tau stayed strong virtually and now back in-person at SDSU meeting twice a week with 25 new members and about 75 students meeting weekly for meditation. Our Family Sangha gathers once a month in-person to be a support system for the parents and kids, while also holding social gatherings outside the Temple. The Homeless Hats Project met weekly all year making beanies (warm hats) to pass out to the people who live on the streets of downtown San Diego. This group led by an awesome volunteer team knitted nearly 1,000 hats for the homeless.</p>
<p>Heading into 2023 we will have some new programs and the return of some old programs. The Afternoon Video Dharma Program will return, a new Engaged Buddhist Program will be implemented, visiting guest Dharma Teachers will return, more social events for the community to gather will be on the calendar and I am thrilled to share that we will be bringing back the Food Redistribution Program feeding the homeless. This Thanksgiving we will have our annual Food Redistribution Event and in January, we will return to our weekly Thursday at 5pm Food Redistribution Program.</p>
<p>As we wrap up 2022 and look forward to 2023, I say thank you! None of this could have been done without the endless effort of the volunteers that are the heartbeat of the Dharma Bum Temple. Every day people who enter this Temple touch the lives of so many others. You are the ones that make this place so incredible. You are the ones that make this place feel safe. You are the ones that make this place live and breathe. You are the Dharma Bum Temple. Thank you for making everything this past year possible, we are forever grateful!</p>
<p>At the end of each year, we look to you the community to make donations to help us sustain monthly expenses and pay down the debt of the building. This year however we are raising money to pay the remaining balance on the new roof. We still owe $35,000 and it is our intention to raise this money between now and the end of the year.</p>
<p>Everything we do at the Dharma Bum Temple is free, however we have a lot of expenses and building debt, so I hope you will consider making a donation of any amount. The Dharma Bum Temple is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organizations and all donations are 100% tax-deductible.</p>
<p>I know so many of you are recurring monthly donors and we are endlessly grateful for your ongoing support! I hope you may consider a one-time year-end donation as well to support our effort and help us pay off the balance of the roof.</p>
<p>WAYS TO DONATE:</p>
<p>***You may donate here via our Facebook Fundraising Campaign as there are no fees: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/2061385430916301/?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZU1fEd_8CqebYsBVi3J1BCKbQUvbnEzL-o154zRx_7dEeWFmMyEqS3vRWSa-TnvMmTXnK6aAV8UVahFW0_TfUAhgX6Ck7Pu480XLciyD9yToC0tRTDOQq3H4COghAn7SiOCDouWdeCWSBewmUQcl70RySwhBWRV-WgGpOXqzLEgOnCzfSZOIU-6NwhWKGVAPVw&__tn__=-UK-R" role="link" tabindex="0">https://www.facebook.com/donate/2061385430916301/</a></p>
<p>***You may donate via the DBT website here: <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thedharmabums.org%2Fone-time-donation%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR29d3Esps3eNFI-onY7YGm5YkX8Ntj7c4Mn4WEZwDTfs8TeY8iBaZ4VQD0&h=AT3A0CWmgGBRiDUVw6--C_xDbzNJ6eW5vl6OhJAe5nxKO5lPpQHWjkz-Pdta6hoVGLxU3XaA5gRAeJTLaT4pA4IRfw_zst0bLa1yFtwxlkGVRJQxpVeD5UcCQkBih24bXSVS&__tn__=-UK-R&c%5B0%5D=AT2QqxI2dKHvIqyWAvUvATd5q2z36znRT0VmeuWeWiwFYbPOMhYRnuCCL0kwjdNv0rpCuV4ryN05WXehrGcqEkSfWbgmceQ02TOpWwOdAVTm6uD_ptGVPJPfZypMhF_4dEdMv0u1F8xe9bSaxjnOQwBOFfas0twPvCQGTvEJa1Q9cZONjcgHNQ_eOHx2_JCi8uBkc8jnxePw_Ycm3O0" rel="nofollow noopener" role="link" tabindex="0" target="_blank">https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation</a></p>
<p>***You may Venmo @DBTsdsu (we changed the handle, but this donation will go to the Temple)</p>
<p>***You may mail a check made out to Dharma Bum Temple to 4144 Campus Avenue San Diego, CA 92103</p>
<p>***You may drop a check in the donation box at the Dharma Bum Temple</p>
<p>It is my incredible honor to be of service to this community. Your continuous support is deeply appreciated and I thank you! Our intention has always been to build a safe place to study and practice Buddhism while coming together as a community. I am beyond proud of everyone who works so hard to make this little Dharma Bum Temple such a special place!</p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma,</p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik</p>
<p>Co-Founder & CEO</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/70902672022-10-27T18:42:51-07:002022-10-27T18:42:51-07:00The Power of Silence at the Dharma Bum Temple<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style="color:black"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/89d5c4b2c6ab14de70d8d838d4bfd706b2c07375/original/day-of-silence-retreat-b-delta-beta-tau-1.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" />Our day of silence at the Dharma Bum Temple was something I didn’t know I needed. About two weeks before it, I went to a music festival and lost my voice for 3 days and it was completely gone, except for the tiniest faintest squeak. I found it unbearable to be forced into quietness so when it came to our retreat, I assumed it would find it uncomfortable. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style="color:black">How wrong I was.</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style="color:black">Silence came much easier than I expected it to. I think the difference was that this time I was choosing to be silent, which meant I was doing it with intention and an open mind. This time I was prepared to embrace silence whereas its unexpected arrival after the music festival had left me irritated, clouding my ability to appreciate it. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style="color:black">Still, to choose to be without voice was an unfamiliar feeling, yet calming in its simplicity. Life in today's world means we’re always doing, thinking, processing, exerting, and being occupied. We’re constantly exposed to noises, loud and quiet, from chatter to car engines, to someone tapping a pencil on a desk and our brains process every one of them whether we want it to or not. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style="color:black">I feel that this noise inhibits us, and distracts our minds from parts of thought that are only visible in silence. So, choosing to omit my own noise from all that chaos felt like a significant release of weight. Kind of like removing that one, seemingly insignificant, piece of the Jenga tower only for it to affect the whole thing. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style="color:black">Along with that release, I felt a tangible stillness in myself, in others, and in the space around me, that seemed (at that moment) more profound than physical stillness. It stayed with me even as I moved during working meditation and touched a source of deep and pure calmness that I want to keep with me forever. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style="color:black">I won't say that my mind was clear and calm the whole time because truthfully there were moments where my thoughts were running a mile a minute. I won’t say that I had a transcendent experience, or that I suddenly understand the meaning of life. But I will say that I left with a feeling that if I continued to practice this silence for a long time I would reach untouched levels of thought, and that’s an exciting prospect for me. </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style="color:black">Here's to more silence, stillness, and clarity in the future :) </span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p><span style="font-size:11pt"><span style="background:white"><span style="line-height:normal"><span style="font-family:Calibri,sans-serif"><span style='font-family:"Arial",sans-serif'><span style="color:black">- Emily Shapiro, Fall 2022 Delta Beta Tau Pledge Class, SDSU Students</span></span></span></span></span></span></p>
<p> </p>
<p style="margin-bottom:11px"> </p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/70658112022-09-21T15:00:59-07:002023-12-10T10:49:49-08:00New Temple Roof: 7 Days and $5,000 Match<p><span class="font_small"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/79f59a76993654275b2418d81c2f9af1acee9e0d/original/roof-fb-fr.png/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.png" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span>I have launched a 7-day fundraising campaign with a $5,000 match! Please read below, share it and help us secure a new roof! </p>
<p>A 95-year-old building will inevitably bring challenges we must fix. Every winter for the past five years we spend a few thousand dollars to patch and repair the leaking roof. We have decided it is not safe to risk one more winter with the current roof, risking potential damage to the structure of the building. </p>
<p>We are working with one of the best commercial roofing companies in San Diego. They have been kind enough to structure a payment plan to help us with costs. We need to pay $10,000 to start the work on the roof, which as of now is scheduled to begin Wednesday September 28th. </p>
<p>We have a very generous donor who has offered a $5,000 matching grant donation to help us get started. So, we are reaching out and asking you to help us raise the additional $5,000 in one week so we can begin installing a new roof. I hope you will consider a donation of any amount to help us cover these costs to get started. </p>
<p>WAYS TO DONATE: </p>
<p>***You may donate here via the Facebook Campaign and there are no fees: <a contents="CLICK TO DONATE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/805315030685358/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3300ff;">CLICK TO DONATE</span></a></p>
<p>***You may donate via the Dharma Bum Temple website: <a contents="CLICK TO DONATE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3300ff;">CLICK TO DONATE</span></a></p>
<p>***You may donate via Venmo: @DBTsdsu and put "New Roof" </p>
<p>***You may drop a check in the donation box at Temple or mail a check made out "Dharma Bum Temple" </p>
<p>Keeping a safe roof over our heads is clearly a priority and we need your help. As always, we are grateful for your love and care of the Dharma Bum Temple. </p>
<p>Yours in Dharma,</p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik</p>
<p>Co-Founder & CEO</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/70186132022-07-20T08:51:54-07:002023-12-10T10:08:27-08:00HAPPY PRIDE from the DBT<p>Pride Week and the Lighting up the Cathedral at St. Paul's Cathedral is always so beautiful and my greatest honor to be involved! I share the words I wrote 4 years ago. I’ve been honored to participate in Pride the last 5 years representing the Dharma Bum Temple. I’ve included some photos of the last few years: </p>
<p>It's taken a while to sink in and yet I still can not express the great joy I felt co-leading a blessing at the Pride Parade in San Diego this past weekend. This was the first ever official Pride Interfaith Blessing of the Parade. We had a Jewish Rabbi, Episcopalian Priest, Unitarian Universalist Minister and a Buddhist Dharma Bum reciting individual prayers and then sharing a blessing together to kick off the 2018 Pride Parade! I am eternally grateful to all the people who made this special day possible. May we unite together always to persist with PRIDE! 🙏🏽😊❤️🏳️🌈- DBT Co-Founder Jeffrey Zlotnik</p>
<p>View the entire blessing here as well - https://www.facebook.com/yael.ridberg/videos/2031396100227953/</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/bdd08395718a047810fd9ea90424e946ca0264ac/original/294776326-6030668573615943-6280693913269918753-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/3e8bb5e72211fb5f411f15554384c7483e80ce78/original/294447528-6030668403615960-9091425959731095391-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/15dc3fa21aef8a44b7160556b11df1909a4a1712/original/294492635-6030668120282655-417689947888786542-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/b888bf194e4ed5e3e39b2a8ca0db4c6e12580cd2/original/294278291-6030668506949283-5324478608257898782-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/04fd458346f281387c103178950a40ccea4295c1/original/294567099-6030668686949265-2061883041132593204-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/50dedc28e0ceb68d75fe7b5fb3f4eb6af6e2610d/original/293946886-424684066359821-7153074319888760962-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/1af147c9ed4f69af90f567e06b96cb20d75fb648/original/293303617-6030672283615572-4574767525729423965-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/efe586700c9f9bd6528b2e3535468e7843b82c27/original/294420943-6030668860282581-6277531837571483866-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/f55c8e93226ff7e99af2a497767ed76fad6c3e1c/original/294720269-6030668490282618-4211098237915501825-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/051f1f55b13916ecbff8ab090aa9e53be14b7085/original/294480606-6030668746949259-7361192884246776495-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/fbe00811768f5d81ec5836e6b914677994fea161/original/294475999-6030668840282583-2245587080138826910-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/9daeadcae27f564197c5214345dd7221cdd69cad/original/294347259-6030668906949243-1813649885350013991-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/bfe8c4fdff84dace5478a510b82a7cc0880d2ab8/original/294479811-6030668670282600-1384905687753078446-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/4d2d746cdcfccd3378112f6186e16c567826774b/original/294578805-6030672236948910-527444989981208148-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/70186012022-07-20T08:38:34-07:002023-12-10T10:08:30-08:00Family Sangha Day at the Lake<p>Beautiful words below from Lisa Johnson Kogan who has been fearlessly leading our Dharma Bum Kids and Family Sangha for over 10 years! We love you Lisa and happy birthday, you are a gift to us all! </p>
<p>Yesterday was a beautiful day, spent with beautiful people doing beautiful things! Due to the Pride festivities near the Temple, the Family Sangha met at Chollas Lake. We started off by taking a stroll around the lake together. While the parents met together for meditation and a discussion, the kid’s class had lots of fun! They participated mindful movements, breathing exercises, games, singing, and finished off the class with a scavenger hunt! A special thanks to Alma for the mindful games and movement and to Jonas for teaching the class a lovely song! </p>
<p>I couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend my birthday! Thank you for the lovely song- it brought happy tears to my eyes.</p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/a936e1b40bad4bc98c88bd3d7c82d16ffd47cd1d/original/day-at-the-bay.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/ec35fe221602b7d74b08d8c0484a2a7da593d065/original/294479261-6028595790489888-7244979802492136601-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/f3cafd7179bcd488f1adfe3d6314551bfbe37ec3/original/293749726-6028595727156561-4595302032334502415-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/34bd729d95550c3f8f84441d1296ba45fd53d346/original/293844502-6028595323823268-4197665518358434398-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/a93bb6a20098e50602252e2cebec7e03041159a4/original/294401822-6028596570489810-5763708263399735452-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/7f2df67f83a69bb832ac01053f03b47f854509b2/original/294107980-6028595340489933-4809324402107179873-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/44503d23ad7aa966a06fffc0a8a1c32abdd6660e/original/293771250-6028596210489846-4438007093214693140-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/18f508cb8225e19a83e617b47753ff3e0287a65f/original/294411145-6028596307156503-8676523680227726852-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/91ee17cdfe0bfe2cd694b7d4d30b787f12a50669/original/293449371-6028595640489903-1401970849227048280-n.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/69750842022-05-19T11:56:42-07:002023-12-10T10:08:30-08:00The Family Sangha is Back!<p>There have been moments over the past 15 years of the Dharma Bum Temple that for me have really defined the beauty of this community. Yesterday was without a doubt one of those moments. It has been nearly 2 ½ years since our Family Sangha has gathered in-person at the Temple due to the pandemic. We remained patient and waited for just the right time. Saturday morning felt like a huge release of joy to simply be together once again. </p>
<p>Thanks to our fearless leaders Jessica Taylor and Josh Taylor, the parents sat in meditation followed by a discussion in the main meditation hall. Tears of happiness and sadness filled the room with stories of proud parenting as well as challenges they have faced. For many of the parents, this was the first time to be in a room with so many other parents discussing their experience of the pandemic. </p>
<p>Our kid’s class was in great hands with the amazing teacher and leader Lisa Johnson Kogan and Nancy who shared the epic tale of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. They followed that up with making their own version of the giving tree expressing lol what it means to share and help others. </p>
<p>Our toddlers were safe and secure with our Alumni and Actives from Delta Beta Tau, our Buddhist group at San Diego State University. Special thanks to Lisa Baker, Olivia Miller and Claudia Beaven for your gentle hearts with these beautiful little kiddos. </p>
<p>It has been a long road here at the Dharma Bum Temple and yesterday reminded us all of the importance of our work. We look forward to our gathering next month, June 18th at 9am. <a contents="Please be sure to RSVP Here!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ticketstripe.com/DBT_Family_Sangha_June_18" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000ff;">Please be sure to RSVP Here!</span></a></p>
<p><span style="color:#0000ff;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/7c62cda25dad0842320847a7945d377aabde5139/original/family-sangha-may-14-2022-welcome-back-edit.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></span></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/69626752022-05-03T11:08:03-07:002023-12-10T10:08:31-08:00FAMILY SANGHA - PARENTS, TEENS, KIDS & TODDLERS<p>The Dharma Bum Temple is excited to announce the return of our Family Sangha on Saturday May 14th at 9am - 10:30am and an RSVP is required! Masks are also required for children and adults. Toddlers do not need masks. </p>
<p>We started our Dharma Bum Kids & Teens Group in 2010 and expanded this program in 2017 to be more inclusive of the entire family. We have classes for the parents, teens and younger kids while also creating a safe space for toddlers. </p>
<p>The Family Sangha is a place where parents get the opportunity to sit in meditation with other parents. We discuss Buddhist practices that help us balance the stressful job of parenting. Being a parent is is a unique kind of stress that only other parents can truly understand. We sit in community and share our successes and struggles while the kiddos are downstairs in class as well. The pandemic has been hard on all of us, let us do some good for ourselves. </p>
<p>Dharma Bum Kids classes are appropriate for children ages 6-12. In a fun learning environment, children are exposed to mindfulness, compassion, peacefulness, awareness of emotions, and much more through stories, play, and art. We will also have a supervised toddler watch area where they can play while parents get a chance to recharge. </p>
<p>The Dharma Bum Teens group will start again in September of 2022. This group is led by Delta Beta Tau, our student organization from San Diego State University. . </p>
<p>Please arrive early so there is adequate time to transition kids to classes so we can start on time. We will also be planning gatherings, social activities and camping trips to bring our community together. It takes a village!</p>
<p><a contents="CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP!" data-link-label="Family Sangha" data-link-type="page" href="/family-sangha" target="_blank">CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO RSVP!</a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/69504262022-04-17T14:29:56-07:002022-04-17T14:29:56-07:00BODHI TREE DAY - APRIL 15, 2018<p>On April 15, 2018 we held a special ceremony reciting the Heart Sutra and planted a Bodhi Tree at the Dharma Bum Temple. It was a celebration of the one-year anniversary in the new Temple. The Bodhi Tree was a gift from our dear friend Jonathan Lee and it was planted with the help of Harry & Mora Thompson and about 150 other Dharma Bums! </p>
<p>Each of us took a turn with the shovel and one by one added the soil. Just like the Temple, the Bodhi Tree is strong and grows steady every day. As you enter the Temple, may the Bodhi Tree always be a reminder to breathe deeply and come back to your true nature. </p>
<p>Please check out the video below highlighting a special eighteen months, which led us to the new Dharma Bum Temple and Bodhi Tree Planting Ceremony: <a contents="CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qs-ExYoUdBU" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000ff;">CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO</span></a></p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/2759d9a1fb3f3740d5bdf0cabaeddc2af5d58396/original/bodhi-tree-aptil-15-2018.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/69504252022-04-17T14:25:33-07:002022-04-17T14:25:33-07:00HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO OUR NEW HOME<p>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>Five years ago today we moved into our current home in University Heights. After ten years of the Temple being downtown (2007-2017) and eight years of Buddha for You being near SDSU (2009-2017), we had the incredible opportunity to bring it all under one roof. </p>
<p>Together we saved this ninety-five year old church from being torn down and pulled off an amazing miracle. It was a beautiful experience as 1,123 people donated a total of $498,777 in 108 days for a down payment on the property. We moved the Temple and Buddha for You in on a weekend and have been sharing the Dharma in this location ever since. </p>
<p>I am so incredibly proud of everything this community has done to keep the Dharma Bum Temple moving forward. This pandemic has been rough for us all, but together we stay strong. We are still here and doing our best to provide a place of refuge and thank you for the love and support. </p>
<p>The world is a different place now, but we are excited about the future. We look forward to evolving and continuing to create ways to make a difference in the lives of those we encounter. </p>
<p>I look forward to seeing you around the Temple soon! </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik </p>
<p>Co-Founder</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/1fa74e4ccd8425f2decb3e21a3e3ad650480efd0/original/dbt-opening-april-15-2017.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p> </p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/69383172022-04-01T15:05:09-07:002022-04-01T15:05:09-07:00My Birthday Wish for the Dharma Bum Temple - Spring Fundraiser<p>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>I hope this finds you safe and well during these challenging yet inspiring days! Many of us have experienced tremendous pain and loss over the last two years. At the same time stories of heroic proportion surround us daily to keep us motivated and inspired. For me, the Dharma Bum Temple is one of those inspiring stories and you make it all possible! </p>
<p>Every Spring for my birthday it is an honor to humbly raise money for the Dharma Bum Temple. I am grateful the Dharma Bum Temple is open once again and each day we move closer to our normal schedule that we all know and love. While the physical doors to the Temple were closed 18 of the last 24 months, we did our best to build a virtual community as a way to gather. Now that we are open, we can expand our programs as we continue to meet both virtually and in-person. It is so important to provide a safe place of refuge for those who need it the most. The world is hurting right now and we must continue to come together and support each other. </p>
<p>Almost all of our classes have returned to in-person while a few remain on Zoom for those who prefer to stay home or are simply not local. Many classes are both in-person and virtual providing an excellent opportunity for our now global Sangha. Our morning meditation Monday-Friday has returned to the Temple. Our weekly evening schedule continues with our Zen Buddhism class on Monday, Intro to Buddhism on Tuesday, Loving-Kindness Meditation on Wednesday, Dharma Bum Basics on Thursday and Tonglen Meditation on Sunday. The Recovery Sangha for those battling addiction has stayed strong with meetings on Saturday and Sunday mornings as well as Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The Homeless Hats Project: Knit and Sit is now a year-old and meeting weekly. This special group of volunteers has made over 600 beanies for people who live on the streets. Delta Beta Tau is our college outreach program and they are thriving gathering multiple times a week at SDSU for meditation, community service, guest speakers and retreats. They will also restart the Dharma Teens Program next semester. The Temple Garden Crew has been fantastic meeting every week as we continue to work on building a beautiful garden. The Family Sangha will return to the Temple May 14th and we look forward to the Day of Silence returning soon as well. The last two programs to return will be the Food Redistribution Program and the Prison Outreach Programs. We have just started to explore what these will look like moving forward and will keep you posted. As you can see, we have been incredibly busy and still touching thousands of lives. We feel blessed that we can build two Temples now, one in-person and the other virtually. </p>
<p>We say everything we do at the Dharma Bum Temple is free and that is the truth. We do however have monthly expenses in addition to remaining building debt of $474,000. I hope you will consider making a donation of any amount to help us cover some of these costs. The Dharma Bum Temple is a 501(c)(3) NPO and all donations are 100% tax-deductible. </p>
<p>WAYS TO DONATE: </p>
<p>***You may donate here via our Facebook Fundraising Campaign as there are no fees: https://www.facebook.com/donate/2236991223123949/ </p>
<p>***If you prefer to donate via the DBT website click here: https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation </p>
<p>***Venmo @dharmabumtemple </p>
<p>***Drop a check made out to Dharma Bum Temple in the donation box or mail to: 4144 Campus Avenue San Diego, CA 92103. </p>
<p>I want to send a special thank you to all of our existing monthly donors, without you none of this is possible! We are truly touched by your support and hope you will consider a one-time donation for this fundraising campaign. </p>
<p>As Co-Founder and CEO, it is an honor to be of service to this community. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us Dharma Bums over the years. Our intention has always been to build a safe place to study and practice Buddhism while coming together as a community. I continue to be incredibly proud of everyone who works so hard to make this little Temple such a special place. Your continuous support is beautiful, deeply appreciated and I thank you! </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma,</p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/69083972022-02-26T17:49:52-08:002022-02-26T17:49:52-08:00Plans to Reopen - Saturday March 12, 2022<p>Dear DBT Sangha, </p>
<p>It brings me great joy to share the Dharma Bum Temple and Buddha for You will reopen Saturday March 12, 2022. Believe it or not March 12, 2020 was when the Temple first closed due to the pandemic. So here we are two years later on the exact day opening once again. This has not been an easy two years for anyone and life remains a challenge for so many people. I am grateful for everyone that has supported the Temple these past two years allowing us to be in a position to open our doors once again. </p>
<p>As we continue to battle a pandemic and other issues globally, there is so much suffering in the hearts and minds of us all. It is at a time like this that we need each other more than ever. We must work harder than before to care for each other and the Temple. We must strengthen this Sangha to ensure we always exist for those who need us the most. More information coming soon, but we will be relying heavier on you the Sangha to make sure we operate smoothly. </p>
<p>All classes will remain only virtual until March 12th, when we will start with the same schedule we had for six months prior to our recent closure in January. Some classes will be in-person, some virtual and some will be both. Please be patient as we slowly update the website schedule to reflect the weekly classes. Temple will open for morning meditation from 8am-9am, close during the day and then reopen in the evening for 7pm classes. Temple will also be open to visit on the weekends starting March 12th from 12pm-3pm. </p>
<p>When we reopen, we will require an RSVP for Intro to Buddhism and Meditation Saturdays at 11am and The Eightfold Path Recovery Sangha Tuesdays at 7pm. All other classes will not require an RSVP and you may just show up. Please note masks will still be mandatory at Temple and Buddha for You. Seats will remain socially distanced with a capacity limit set for both meditation halls, so those who do attend feel more comfortable. </p>
<p>I promise you managing this Temple the last two years has been more challenging than ever before. We had to make decisions we never dreamed of and none of it has been simple. We do look forward to the day where the Temple is open all day and all programs are up and running, but we are not there yet. So please be patient and together we will get there. We will continue to keep the health and safety of this community as our top priority. </p>
<p>We love you and miss you and look forward to seeing you soon... </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik </p>
<p>CEO & Co-Founder </p>
<p><a contents="CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR SATURDAY MARCH 12TH AT 11AM" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://ticketstripe.com/events/1027489" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000ff;">CLICK HERE TO RSVP FOR SATURDAY MARCH 12TH AT 11AM</span></a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/68555842021-12-30T17:41:24-08:002023-04-08T20:39:26-07:00With the Dharma Bum Temple’s Homeless Hats Project, warmth is in every stitch<p>Waking up on Christmas morning to find a feel good story about our little Dharma Bum Temple on the front page of the local section in the San Diego Union Tribune is about as special as it gets! Special thank you to Aletha Thomson, Jean Thomson Anderson, Jackie Davis, Lauren DuBois and the others who make this project happen. Sending our gratitude to Karla Peterson for a beautiful article and Ana Ramirez for the fun time taking photos. (For those unable to view the article online at link below, photos are here as well. </p>
<p><a contents="CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE FROM THE SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/columnists/story/2021-12-25/column-with-the-dharma-bum-temples-homeless-hats-project-warmth-is-in-every-stitch?_amp=true" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000ee;">CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE FROM THE SAN DIEGO UNION TRIBUNE</span></a></p>
<p><span style="color:#0000ee;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/642e9bbf1e89e3beb0c9422dfc1c9d2031af630c/original/unnamed.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></span></p>
<p><span style="color:#0000ee;"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/a25452a56f8fa3b7048090419a0920af7e42939f/original/a.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/b7db8e0fa18d066cf00a280a34a05e868cebf9d9/original/b.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_none" alt="" /></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/67856612021-10-24T16:23:56-07:002021-10-24T16:23:57-07:00Year-End Fundraising Campaign for the Dharma Bum Temple<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/fbdcf96b86a7d147759a0da9d17a2485944dfe2c/original/dbtfr.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJiemdsZmlsZXMifQ==/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_none" alt="" /></p>
<p>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>This past year has been unlike anything we could have ever imagined! I first want to send love to all those who have been impacted by the pandemic. Lives have been lost and hearts have been broken. My thoughts and prayers are with you during such a difficult time. </p>
<p>After being closed for sixteen months, tears were flowing when we reopened our doors July 10, 2021. During the time we were closed, we built a virtual Dharma Bum Temple which thrived thanks to so many amazing volunteers. This allowed us to reach people all over the world, many joining us for the first time. It also created an opportunity for people who attended the DBT in the past, but had moved away to join us once again. Of course our usual attendees continued to join virtually. A virtual Temple could not replace the beauty of gathering in-person, but it was the best we could offer the community considering the circumstances. </p>
<p>Since reopening just three months ago, it has been heartwarming to welcome people in-person once again. The challenge now is holding space for two Dharma Bum Temples, one in-person and one virtually. Throughout 2021, we continued to offer our weekly meditation classes in-person and virtually including Intro to Buddhism, Loving-Kindness Meditation, Dharma Bum Basics, Tonglen Meditation and Zen Practice. We have been able to offer our daily morning meditation both in-person and virtually. Our Recovery Sangha has been a steady rock for those who battle addiction, meeting multiple times a week both virtually and in-person. Our college group Delta Beta Tau stayed strong virtually and now back in-person at SDSU meeting twice a week with 25 new members and about 75 students meeting weekly for meditation. Our Family Sangha continued virtually and now gathers once a month in-person to be a support system for the parents and kids. </p>
<p>Community service has always been a huge part of the Dharma Bum Temple. The pandemic forced us to put a lot of this on hold. However we created a new program, the Homeless Hats Project which meets weekly making beanies (warm hats) to pass out to the people who live on the streets of downtown San Diego. This group led by an awesome volunteer team meets weekly online to “Knit and Sit” which includes a meditation followed by knitting the hats. We now meet once a month in-person as well. In just a few months, we have knitted more than 400 hats for the homeless. </p>
<p>As we wrap up 2021 and look forward to 2022 I say thank you! None of this could have been done without the endless effort of volunteers that are the heartbeat of the Dharma Bum Temple. Every day people who enter this Temple touch the lives of so many others. You are the ones that make this place so incredible. You are the ones that make this place feel safe. You are the ones that make this place live and breathe. You are the Dharma Bum Temple. Thank you for making everything this past year possible, we are forever grateful! </p>
<p>At the end of each year we look to you the community to make donations to help us sustain monthly expenses and help us pay down the debt of the building. It is our intention to raise $40,000 between now and the end of the year. Everything we do at the Dharma Bum Temple is free, however we have a lot of expenses and building debt, so I hope you will consider making a donation of any amount. The Dharma Bum Temple is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organizations and all donations are 100% tax-deductible. </p>
<p>Many of you are recurring monthly donors and we are endlessly grateful for your support! We hope you may consider a one time year-end donation as well to support our effort. </p>
<p>WAYS TO DONATE: </p>
<p>You may donate here via our Facebook Fundraising Campaign as there are no fees: https://www.facebook.com/donate/391212366055904/ </p>
<p>You may donate via the DBT website here: https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation </p>
<p>You may mail a check made out to Dharma Bum Temple to 4144 Campus Avenue San Diego, CA 92103 </p>
<p>You may drop a check in the donation box at the Dharma Bum Temple </p>
<p>You may Venmo @dharmabumtemple </p>
<p>It is my incredible honor to be of service to this community. Your continuous support is deeply appreciated and I thank you! Our intention has always been to build a safe place to study and practice Buddhism while coming together as a community. I am beyond proud of everyone who works so hard to make this little Dharma Bum Temple such a special place! </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik </p>
<p>Co-Founder & CEO</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/66967742021-07-23T18:00:44-07:002022-08-31T14:24:10-07:00Welcome Back to the DBT - RSVP Updates<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/06223e27303eab665d6bf6acb7388eab7417f82b/original/dbt-2019-stop.jpg/!!/meta:eyJzcmNCdWNrZXQiOiJjb250ZW50LnNpdGV6b29nbGUuY29tIn0=/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>
<p>As we wrap up the first two weeks of reopening the Dharma Bum Temple, I am deeply moved by the beauty of this community. It was so touching to see all the people who returned to the Temple and many joined for the first time. The first three people I saw were in tears as they entered. This is such an emotional time for everyone, hearts breaking and yet opening up as well. It reminds me yet again how important this little place is for the community. Special thank you as well to all the volunteers who led classes and coordinated schedules to make everything we do possible. </p>
<p>Heading into week three, we have made some slights changes with regards to the RSVP requirements. RSVP's are only required for Intro to Buddhism and Meditation Saturdays at 11am. We also require an RSVP for the Eightfold Path Recovery Meeting Tuesday at 7pm. If you have an RSVP and can not attend, please let us know so we can open the seat for someone else. Please click here to RSVP for classes coming up these next few weeks. </p>
<p>As always, thank you for your patience and kindness as we manage this reopening process. It is our intention to keep everyone as safe and comfortable as possible. We also thank you for wearing masks and respecting the practice of having compassion for all beings. </p>
<p>UPDATES POLICIES AND PROCEDURES:</p>
<p>~ RSVP is required for Intro to Buddhism Saturday at 11am & Eightfold Path Recovery Sangha Tuesday at 7pm <br>~ Masks will be required at the Temple and Gift Shop <br>~ Classes in the main hall will be limited to 40 people <br>~ Classes in the Buddha for You meditation hall will be limited to 17 people <br>~ Seating will be socially distanced <br>~ Temple is open for scheduled classes in addition to Saturdays 12pm-3pm & Sundays 12pm-3pm <br>~ Temple will open one hour prior to each class <br>~ Some classes are in-person, some virtual and some both <br>~The Gift Shop is open Saturday 12pm-3pm, Sunday 11:30am-3pm and Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6pm-7pm</p>
<p>With Love & Gratitude, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik </p>
<p>Co-Founder & CEO</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/66777422021-07-02T19:46:34-07:002023-12-10T08:57:03-08:00Good News - We Are Reopening<p>It brings me great joy to share that we have slowly reopened the Dharma Bum Temple and Buddha for You Gift Shop. The complete schedule of classes will continue to be updated on the website schedule. </p>
<p>As we reopen the Dharma Bum Temple and Buddha for You, please understand we do not have all the answers nor do we know the best way to reopen. This soft opening will allow us to find the best solutions for all. As always, this will be an opportunity to practice gratitude for being able to be open and practice patience as we remain cautious. </p>
<p>Here is some information we know will be happening as we open: </p>
<p>~ RSVP (via the website schedule) will be required for some in-person classes </p>
<p>~ Masks will be required at the Temple and Gift Shop </p>
<p>~ Classes in the main hall will be limited to 40 people </p>
<p>~ Classes downstairs will be limited to 15 people </p>
<p>~ Seating will be socially distanced </p>
<p>~ Temple will only be open for scheduled classes as well as Saturday & Sunday 12pm-3pm </p>
<p>~ Temple will open 60 minutes prior to each class </p>
<p>~ Some classes will be in-person, some virtual and some both</p>
<p>~ The Gift Shop will only be open Saturday from 12pm-3pm, Sunday from 11:30am-3pm and Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 6pm-7pm </p>
<p>There have been a lot of requests to keep classes virtual. There have also been a lot of requests to not stream classes while at Temple. Many people don't want cameras while they meditate or share their thoughts. There really is not a best solution to this situation. So some classes will stay virtual only for now, some will be in-person only and some will be both. </p>
<p>Some of the in-person classes will require an RSVP via the website to avoid overcapacity issues. We hope this process does not stay in place too long, but it is the way we can reopen comfortably. </p>
<p>This has been an incredibly difficult 16 months for everyone around the world. We know many people in our community that have suffered deeply and we send you so much love. My request is that you please trust that we have the health and safety of the community as our top priority. </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik </p>
<p>CEO & Co-Founder</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/66558842021-06-10T16:11:14-07:002023-04-08T20:40:16-07:00Plans to Reopen<p>This has been an incredibly challenging 15 months for the world as so much loss, pain and suffering continues. I first want to take a moment to recognize and remember those in our community who have lost loved ones due to the pandemic. Your pain is our pain and we send you genuine love during this difficult time. There are many of us who did not experience loss personally and we are the fortunate ones. As we all know, this pandemic created a wide range of experiences and emotions creating opportunities to practice. </p>
<p>I am pleased that conditions in San Diego are improving and we seem to be headed in the right direction. This is very encouraging for us all and we are pleased as places are opening up once again. </p>
<p>So the big question that everyone wants to know is when is the Dharma Bum Temple going to be open? The simple answer for now is....NOT YET, BUT MOST LIKELY SOON! </p>
<p>We are hoping, anticipating and expecting the Dharma Bum Temple and Buddha for You to be open on some level in the next 4-6 weeks. However we are remaining extremely cautious for the safety of everyone in our community. We understand that restrictions in San Diego are expected to be lifted in San Diego on June 15th. We will continue to watch how this all unfolds and make our decisions appropriately. We are in conversations with medical professionals, community members and other religious facilities with regards to their guidance and approach moving forward. </p>
<p>I realize this is a time we all need the Dharma Bum Temple more than ever. We will continue to remain cautious and share more information as decisions are made about what is best for the community. We want to honor and respect those who have been deeply impacted by the pandemic in addition to being mindful of the health and safety of those who remain at risk. </p>
<p>We look forward to seeing you all soon, so please stay tuned for updates! </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik </p>
<p>CEO & Co-Founder</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/65825922021-03-23T12:28:18-07:002023-12-10T10:09:25-08:002021 SPRING FUNDRAISER - A BIRTHDAY WISH <p>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>Every Spring for my birthday it is my honor to humbly raise money for the Dharma Bum Temple. Last April however as the pandemic hit us all hard, it did not feel right to ask for support, so we skipped the fundraiser. Due to the pandemic and for the safety of others, the Dharma Bum Temple and Buddha for You closed its doors March 12, 2020 and over a year later we are still closed. However, in many ways I believe the community is the strongest it has ever been. It is times like these when we cannot be together physically, the love and care we have for the community flows even deeper in our hearts. Do we miss seeing each other? Yes! Do we want to be able to laugh, cry, smile and feel joy together? Yes! Will that day come sometime in the near future? Absolutely Yes! I am excited to share that I do anticipate us opening again this year but we need your support. </p>
<p>The virtual programs are running well still helping thousands of people find a sense of peace in their life. Special thanks to all the volunteers who make these programs happen! Our Recovery Sangha stays solid with groups meeting five times a week helping those who battle drug, alcohol or other addictions. The Family Sangha has managed to maintain monthly gatherings online while facing the challenges of kids not being at school. Our evening meditations and daily morning meditations continue to provide a safe space, which now draws people from all over the world due to our virtual presence. Delta Beta Tau which is our college outreach program continues to host weekly meditations in addition to leading a new member pledge program, providing virtual community service and hosting virtual retreats. Our weekly Dharma Bum Teens program led by our college kids sharing meditation and Buddhist teachings continues to thrive virtually every Sunday at noon. Two new books studies have given people an opportunity to connect a little deeper while exploring the nature of their own mind. The beauty of our new virtual Temple is most of the classes are archived on our YouTube channel for all to view at their convenience. </p>
<p>So while the Temple doors have been closed, we have been incredibly busy operating the best we can during this difficult time. We say everything we do at the Dharma Bum Temple is free and that is the truth. We do however have a lot of expenses and building debt, so I hope you will consider making a donation of any amount. The Dharma Bum Temple is a 501(c)(3) NPO and all donations are 100% tax-deductible. </p>
<p>WAYS TO DONATE: </p>
<p><a contents="CLICK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/2898585053801556/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000ff;">CLICK HERE</span></a> to donate here via our Facebook Fundraising Campaign (No Fees) </p>
<p><a contents="CLICK HERE" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation" target="_blank"><span style="color:#0000ff;">CLICK HERE</span></a> to donate via the DBT website </p>
<p>You may mail a check made out to Dharma Bum Temple to 4144 Campus Avenue San Diego, CA 92103. </p>
<p>As Co-Founder and Executive Director, it is an honor to be of service to this community. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us Dharma Bums over the years. Our intention has always been to build a safe place to study and practice Buddhism while coming together as a community. I continue to be incredibly proud of everyone who works so hard to make this little Temple such a special place! </p>
<p>Your continuous support is beautiful, deeply appreciated and I thank you! I know when the Dharma Bum Temple doors physically open again, it will be yet another beautiful celebration! </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/64631832020-10-25T21:29:55-07:002023-03-21T08:31:23-07:00Year-End Fundraising Campaign for the Dharma Bum Temple<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/a1265b4b59887a1ce77450637a374883bf3ae2a6/original/fbc.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>Here we sit in crazy times, yet one thing that is constant is the heart of this community. I am reaching out and asking for donations so we can secure much-needed funds as we close out the year. </p>
<p>We received a beautiful email recently and I share it below to speak to how we impact people's lives: </p>
<p>"To all of the people who have worked to build and sustain the Dharma Bum Temple Sangha, </p>
<p>Hello, my name is _______. I’m not sure if we’ve ever met or if you’d remember me if we had. I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you’ve done for me. </p>
<p>There was a time in my life when the only time I left my home was to go to an Introduction to Buddhism class. I was so sad and shut down that I didn’t feel like there was any hope in the world. Every weekend I would drag myself out of bed to sit, and listen. It helped. </p>
<p>Years have passed since then. The organization you are a part of was a beacon of light that showed me the way out of the hell I was in. No one carried me, I had to walk out on my own, but without your guidance I would not have the life I have today. </p>
<p>I woke up this morning and cleaned off my little shrine. It occurred to me that I never thanked anyone for saving my life. So instead of meditating today, I wrote this letter to you. Today I feel like a human. Now I bring light to the people in my life. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, and all of the people like me that come into that temple looking for hope in their lives. </p>
<p>Sincerely, </p>
<p>BW” </p>
<p>At the end of 2016, we announced to the community we wanted to acquire a new home for the Dharma Bum Temple. In 108 days, 1,123 people made donations in what was truly a miraculous experience to secure a down payment and save this 93-year-old building. This community near and far came together to secure a new dream home for the Dharma Bum Temple. After ten years downtown and our SDSU location at Buddha for You, we opened in our new home April 15, 2017 and have been off and running (or sitting) ever since. I want to give special thanks to all of the people who supported us throughout the past fourteen years and continue to support us every day. Your contributions have made everything we do possible! </p>
<p>2020 has been a challenging year to say the least! It has forced all of us to stop and reflect on what truly is most important in life. The pandemic we all face has created tremendous opportunities to practice what we have learned thru meditation and the Buddha’s teachings. </p>
<p>Due to the pandemic and for the safety of others, the Dharma Bum Temple and Buddha for You closed its doors March 12, 2020 and seven months later we are still closed. However, in many ways I believe the community is the strongest it has ever been. It is times like these when we can not be together physically, the love and care we have for the community flows even deeper in our hearts. Do we miss seeing each other? Yes! Do we want to be able to laugh, cry, smile and feel joy together? Yes! Will that day come sometime in the near future? Absolutely Yes! </p>
<p>There have been many great accomplishments in 2020 and I thank everyone who has made this all possible. I am so proud of the incredible effort and hard work all the volunteers have put in this year. We have been able to transition about 90% of our classes to an online virtual format. We hold meditation classes Monday thru Friday every morning and night. Our Recovery Sangha is staying strong with meetings five times a week. Our Family Sangha continues to grow as a tremendous resource for parents meeting twice a month, while taking a break over the summer and will be starting the Fall schedule soon. Dharma Bum Teens meets every Sunday creating a safe environment for teens to meditate and discuss the challenges they face, while being led by Delta Beta Tau college students. Our college Buddhist group Delta Beta Tau meets three times a week and is engaged in virtual community service opportunities and retreats on the weekends. We have hosted many special guests and speakers from around the globe in what has been an incredible year considering the challenges. </p>
<p>Providing so many classes online has also brought many new faces to this community from all over the world as well as reconnecting with old friends who had moved away from San Diego. </p>
<p>This past April we decided to not hold our Annual Spring Fundraiser. We were all getting used to a new way of life during a pandemic and asking for donations at that time just did not seem appropriate. As we close out this year however we do need your support! </p>
<p>At the end of each year we always look to you the community to make donations to help us sustain monthly expenses and help us pay down the debt of the building. This year is a bit different as you can imagine, since no one has been inside the physical Temple in seven months. Our mortgage payment is $3,200 a month and we recently discovered we need to do major repair work on the Temple roof. We must keep the Temple safe and ready for the day we can all return to gathering together. It is our intention to raise $50,000 between now and the end of the year which will cover nine months of mortgage payments and the cost to repair the roof. </p>
<p>We say everything we do at the Dharma Bum Temple is free and that is the truth. We do however hope you will continue to support us as we move forward. You may donate here via our Facebook Fundraising Campaign as there are no fees. You may also donate via the DBT website or you may send a check made out to Dharma Bum Temple. If you visit the website donation page, you will see we have added many different ways one can donate and support the Dharma Bum Temple. Please take 2 minutes right now to make a tax-deductible donation online. </p>
<p>As Co-Founder and Executive Director, it is an honor to be of service to this community. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us Dharma Bums. Our intention has always been to build a safe place to study and practice Buddhism while coming together as a community. We have succeeded but we are not done yet, not even close... </p>
<p>I know when the Dharma Bum Temple doors physically open again, it will be yet another beautiful celebration! </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik </p>
<p><a contents="Please click here to donate via the Facebook Fundraising campaign!" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/1118594388597380/4061417973874356/?fundraiser_source=feed&source_data%5Bpost_id%5D=4061417973874356" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Please click here to donate via the Facebook Fundraising campaign!</span></a></p>
<p><a contents="If you prefer to donate via the DBT website click here -&nbsp;https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation" data-link-label="ONE TIME DONATION " data-link-type="page" href="/one-time-donation" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3300ff;">If you prefer to donate via the DBT website click here - https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation</span></a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/63499102020-06-11T09:19:00-07:002023-04-08T20:42:04-07:00A Beautiful Letter<p>We received a beautiful email and would like to share it below: </p>
<p>To all of the people who have worked to build and sustain the Dharma Bum Temple Sangha, </p>
<p>Hello, my name is _______. I’m not sure if we’ve ever met or if you’d remember me if we had. I’d like to thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you’ve done for me. </p>
<p>There was a time in my life when the only time I left my home was to go to an Introduction to Buddhism class. I was so sad and shut down that I didn’t feel like there was any hope in the world. Every weekend I would drag myself out of bed to sit, and listen. It helped. </p>
<p>Years have passed since then. The organization you are a part of was a beacon of light that showed me the way out of the hell I was in. No one carried me, I had to walk out on my own, but without your guidance I would not have the life I have today. </p>
<p>I woke up this morning and cleaned off my little shrine. It occurred to me that I never thanked anyone for saving my life. So instead of meditating today, I wrote this letter to you. Today I feel like a human. Now I bring light to the people in my life. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, and all of the people like me that come into that temple looking for hope in their lives. </p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/63498822020-06-11T09:13:08-07:002021-01-24T14:08:48-08:00A Moment to Practice: Plans to Reopen<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/2eccba789c433d2d1a73145c211b18225b7aa94f/original/4.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Hello All, </p>
<p>The Temple received an email two weeks ago from the Mayor's office with regards to their exploration of reopening "Places of Worship". They were reaching out to many religious facilities in San Diego and putting together a plan to open at some time in the future. I was quite honored and humbled that we were on the list of places to contact, that says a lot about the community we have built the past fourteen years. </p>
<p>I spoke with a woman who is tasked with putting a plan together to potentially reopen "Places of Worship". She asked me what we had to say with regards to opening the Temple. I said that we had no intention of opening soon as we did not feel it is safe as of yet. She was surprised but also seemed pleased that we were being cautious with the members of our community. </p>
<p>The Bodhisattva practice of the Six Paramitas have always guided the Dharma Bum Temple. So I will use them below to share the current practice in place for the DBT: </p>
<p>Generosity: Be generous by giving the DBT community safety. Give people the opportunity to be exposed less to anything that may cause harm. As people roam out more, they are at more risk. Allow time to pass so when the Temple doors open, we can give people a community that is as free as possible from causing harm. </p>
<p>Morality: Be honest with the community about the truth that no one ultimately knows if it safe to go anywhere or not. Do not create any gathering that could potentially cause harm. </p>
<p>Patience: There is no rush for anything, practice patience at all times! This is an opportunity to be patient with the community while we practice in various ways at home. Your patience can literally save lives. </p>
<p>Diligence: Use this time to work hard at cultivating wisdom and compassion from home or wherever you are currently. This is an excellent opportunity to understand that Buddhist practice is not about being at a Temple, but training the mind. Train your mind to be at ease and open your heart to love all beings. </p>
<p>Concentration: Learning to focus on the present moment, while being aware of what is happening around you at all times. Focus on the ultimate truth which is your breath is what keeps you alive. Use this time to abide in sensation of breath and appreciate the breath for all it brings. </p>
<p>Wisdom: Practice the Paramitas listed above. This is a time to appreciate every passing moment and not crave or desire anything more than what you have at this moment. We will gather again at some time in the future and when we do it will be beautiful. </p>
<p>With Love, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik </p>
<p>Co-Founder of the DBT</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/60219682019-12-15T12:35:04-08:002021-07-18T14:21:12-07:00Second Annual Volunteer Appreciation Event<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/2b714333841b6d9a7ed95402cefcc4f3f432034e/original/volunteer-appreciation-event-december-2019-lc.jpg" class="size_orig justify_left border_" />Saturday night December 7th we hosted our second annual Volunteer Appreciation Event at the Dharma Bum Temple. It was a time to honor each person in this photo and about 20 others who could not be with us, as together they make everything we do possible. I always say we host 500-700 people a week at the DBT and the volunteers are the reason this place is so special. Thank you to everyone who pours so much of their heart, time and effort into creating this sacred space. Mad love to you all!</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/59847792019-11-29T11:21:51-08:002020-10-25T21:31:08-07:00Thanksgiving Day Food Redistribution<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/f1765c3a0e50536d03e5d8062e608807854714a7/original/1.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />It has become a tradition at the Dharma Bum Temple to feed the homeless on Thanksgiving morning. We do this every Thursday at 5PM but on Thanksgiving it is a special event and we are grateful for everyone who shows up. This is all food that would have been put in the trash and we turn it into sandwiches. Today we collected a lot of socks as well to pass out. We were challenged with a lot of rain which many people live in on the streets every day. May this be a practice that reminds us all to be grateful for everything and everyone in our lives. Thank you to everyone who came out, donated socks and gave some of their time and effort to be of benefit to others.</p>
<p><a contents="CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://thedharmabums.org/galleries/739751/thanksgiving-food-redistribution-2019" target="_blank">CLICK HERE TO VIEW MORE PHOTOS</a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/59504602019-11-05T11:52:16-08:002020-10-25T21:31:17-07:00Year-End Fundraising Campaign for the Dharma Bum Temple<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/f471cc058a9ff9afe2bbb8a53f66375625278ed4/original/day-of-silence-2019-photo.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></p>
<p>Every day I am in awe at the amount of people who walk into the Dharma Bum Temple. Some people are here for the first time and some have been here for many years. Some live in San Diego, some visit from the east coast, some come from other countries. Some people come to sit in the early morning, some in the evening and some during the day when the space has just a few people. Some people come to feed the homeless, some to watch movies, some to work on their recovery from addiction and some just to clean the bathroom. Some people take out the trash, some mop the floors, some put shoes on the rack and some even close the bathroom door. Some people are recurring monthly donors, some people leave donations in the donation box, some do both and some don't leave any donation and all are ok. Some people come here to learn about Zen, some to learn about Theravada Buddhism, some to listen to great Tibetan nuns, monks or other guest speakers. Some people come for Afternoon Video Dharma, some follow us on YouTube, some like to learn the Basics, some just want to hear the Singing Bowls. Some people come for silent retreats, some for Family Sangha, some for the Teens, some sit in the library and some simply use the space for their own practice. Some come for Loving-Kindness, some for a Whole Hearted book study, some because they are happy, some because they are sad, some want to connect and some want to get quiet. Some people are in Delta Beta Tau, some volunteer in prison and some enjoy the beauty of Buddha for You Gifts & Books. Whatever the reason you show up and whatever you do here we appreciate it! We built this Dharma Bum Temple for you and now we are asking you for some year-end support as all Non-Profit Organizations will do. </p>
<p>At the end of each year we look to you the community to make donations to help us sustain monthly expenses and help us pay down the debt of the building. Please take 2 minutes right now to make a tax-deductible donation online. Thank you for showing up and thank you for your support! </p>
<p>You may donate via our Facebook Fundraising Campaign as there are no fees. You may donate via the DBT website or you may send (or drop in donation box) a check made out to Dharma Bum Temple. If you visit the website donation page, you will see many different ways one can donate and support the Dharma Bum Temple. All donations are of course tax-deductible. </p>
<p>As Co-Founder and Executive Director, it is an honor to be of service to this community. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us Dharma Bums. Our intention has always been to build a safe place to study and practice Buddhism while coming together as a community. We have succeeded but we are not done yet, not even close... </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma, </p>
<p>Jeffrey Zlotnik</p>
<p><a contents="Please click here to learn more about the year-end fundraising campaign and consider making a donation of any amount!" data-link-label="2019 Year-End Fundraiser" data-link-type="page" href="/2019-year-end-fundraiser" target="_blank">Please click here to learn more about the year-end fundraising campaign and consider making a donation of any amount!</a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/58594302019-08-15T17:49:44-07:002023-12-10T08:28:07-08:00Koshin Paley Ellsion Visits the DBT - Whole Hearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake up - July, 30 2019<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/faf2215ce86d73cc9b10eaf87261dfd9daf21130/original/67837783-2897020280314137-2540088184780357632-o.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />A sharing from DBT Co-Founder Jeffrey Zlotnik: </p>
<p>There are moments at the Dharma Bum Temple where I completely stop and just be in tremendous gratitude. 95% of my time is spent building, creating, cleaning, funding, organizing, managing, putting shoes on rack, planning and holding the Dharma Bum Temple. Then people like Koshin Paley Ellison show up and immediately I am brought to the present moment of joy as I let it all go and just sit (or stand) and listen. </p>
<p>Thank you Koshin for your heart driven wisdom and sharing the Dharma with pure intention. Your direct and humorous nature is part of what makes your teachings so special to me. Your ability to be completely present with anything and everything is so refreshing. Thank you for being you and reminding us all to be us, but to keep practicing. </p>
<p>Your new book “Whole Hearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake up” is a brilliant insight into living with love and kindness. Love you brother and thank you! </p>
<p>Book can be purchased at <a contents="Buddha for You" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://buddha-for-you.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3333ff;">Buddha for You</span></a> or via Amazon. </p>
<p>The recording from Koshin's visit is on the Dharma Bum Temple YouTube:</p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="jOLPjc02eUU" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/jOLPjc02eUU/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jOLPjc02eUU?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe> <iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="WWUeHB6odtI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/WWUeHB6odtI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WWUeHB6odtI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">"Koshin Paley Ellison’s teachings share the way forward into a path of connection, compassion, and intimacy” – His Holiness The Dalai Lama </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">NEW BOOKS - WHOLE HEARTED: SLOW DOWN, HELP OUT, WAKE UP </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Koshin's new book on sale now at Buddha for You (Inside Dharma Bum Temple) </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison, MFA, LMSW, DMIN, co-founded the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care, the first Zen-based organization to offer fully accredited ACPE clinical chaplaincy training in America. NYZCCC delivers contemplative approaches to care through education, direct service, and meditation practice. Paley Ellison is the academic advisor for the Buddhist students in the Master in Pastoral Care and Counseling program at NYZCCC’s education partner, New York Theological Seminary. He has served as the co-director of Contemplative Care Services for the Department of Integrative Medicine and as the chaplaincy supervisor for the Pain and Palliative Care Department at Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center, where he also served on the Medical Ethics Committee. He is currently on the faculty of the University of Arizona Medical School’s Center for Integrative Medicine’s Integrative Medicine Fellowship, and he is a visiting professor at the McGovern Center for Humanities and Ethics, of the University of Texas Health Science Center of Houston Medical School. Paley Ellison is a dynamic, original, and visionary leader and teacher. </span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular">Koshin is the author of Wholehearted: Slow Down, Help Out, Wake Up (Wisdom Publications, 2019). He is also the co-editor of Awake at the Bedside: Contemplative Teachings on Palliative and End of Life Care (Wisdom Publications, 2016). His work has been featured in the New York Times, PBS, Tricycle and others. Through his six years of training at the Jungian Psychoanalytic Association as well as clinical contemplative training at both Mount Sinai Beth Israel Medical Center and NewYork Presbyterian Medical Center which culminated in his role as an ACPE Certified Educator, chaplain, and Jungian psychotherapist. He began his formal Zen training in 1987, and he is a recognized Soto Zen Teacher by the American Zen Teachers Association, White Plum Asanga, and Soto Zen Buddhist Association. He serves on the Board of Directors at the New York Zen Center for Contemplative Care and Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.</span></p>
<p><span class="font_regular"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/82aee152239ba30d41ad2491366ebd6a5e1ec678/original/67610799-2901163906566441-8304584128859209728-o.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></span><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/971317a2cdc4d3666f21ab0c971096c0d1ab37b7/original/67556021-2901164026566429-4144228873216720896-o.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_center border_" /></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/58593822019-08-15T16:31:32-07:002019-08-15T18:09:34-07:00A Jewish Buddhist Memorial Blessing - August 11, 2019<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/974defe9e6f37a6c97e59eddcaa7541dea321a90/original/hpbackground-768x598.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />This past weekend I was invited to Temple Emanu-El by Rabbi Devorah Marcus to speak at a memorial service. The man who died was 55 years-old and a practicing Buddhist. His family are members of the Jewish Temple. I want to thank the Rabbi and family for including me in this day. It shows great strength and courage for one religious faith to open their doors to someone from another religious faith to share this moment together. It was special to me for many reasons as this was the same Temple my family started attending 40 years ago in 1979, when we moved to San Diego from Chicago. I had my Bar Mitzvah at this Temple 30 years ago and just about every wedding, funeral, Bat/Bar Mitzvah, etc. I attended throughout my life was at this Temple. This day represented many things for me, but the most special was to realize if we open our hearts and minds to respect other people and their experiences the world can become a safe and beautiful space. Thank you again to Rabbi and the family for allowing me to be with you all. </p>
<p>When I spoke, I shared the following words from Thich Nhat Hanh, a great Zen Buddhist Master, Poet and Peace Activist from Vietnam: </p>
<p>“I asked the leaf whether it was scared because it was autumn and the other leaves were falling. The leaf told me, “No. During the whole spring and summer I was very alive. I worked hard and helped nourish the tree, and much of me is in the tree. Please do not say that I am just this form, because the form of leaf is only a tiny part of me. I am the whole tree. I know that I am already inside the tree, and when I go back to the soil, I will continue to nourish the tree. That’s why I do not worry. As I leave this branch and float to the ground, I will wave to the tree and tell her, ‘I will see you again very soon.”</p>
<p>May all be free from suffering...</p>
<p>Jeff Zlotnik</p>
<p>Co-Founder & Executive Director </p>
<p>Dharma Bum Temple</p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/57935562019-06-18T17:20:35-07:002023-12-10T10:09:23-08:00Ajaan Geoff at the DBT - A Special Offering<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/b0dc88a1727bc459b538272663c3ddd682128639/original/dbt-with-ajaan-geoff-june-13-2019-2.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />The Dharma Bum Temple was pleased to welcome back and host Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu (also known as Ajaan Geoff) on June 13, 2019. Ajaan Geoff is a world renown Buddhist scholar and teacher (see more complete biography at bottom of post). People travel from all over the world to visit him at the Metta Forest Monastery in Valley Center, CA, where is has been the Abbot for over 25-years. It was an honor to have him here again. The Temple was full as it always is when Ajaan Geoff visits. It turned out to be a particularly special night as it ended with a surprise celebration of Dharma Bum Temple’s long-running relationship with Metta Forest Monastery, as discussed below. </p>
<p>The visit started with a 40-minute partially guided meditation including both a metta and body scan sequence. Then the talk began: </p>
<p>“Tonight, I’d like to talk about the good side of your ego. You usually come to Buddhist centers and hear all about the bad side of the ego. I thought I’d give it a chance because it is actually a good side of the practice. You sometimes hear that the big question in world religions is, ‘Who am I? What is my true identity?’ And the Buddha said, that is a question that’s best not answered. That question is best put aside because it gets you tangled in all sorts of problems. The best question to ask is ‘What am I doing and why is it causing me suffering and what can I do to change?’ The focus is not so much on what you are as what you are doing. It’s a good point to remember. When he was conducting his quest for awakening, the question was never ‘Who am I?’ It was ‘What is skillful? What will lead to happiness?’ And when he saw he wasn’t getting the happiness he wanted, he would always reflect back: ‘What am I doing wrong? What can I change about my actions?’ And it was in looking at his actions and getting his actions more and more skillful that he was able to find awakening.” <img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/e7462de0336dc004e7b1e9500cc267186f70f0dc/original/dbt-with-ajaan-geoff-june-13-2019-4.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" /></p>
<p>Ajaan Geoff spoke of healthy desire such as the type that motivates one into Buddhist practice. He spoke of three selves: i. the self that says “I should;” ii. the self that says “I want;” and iii. the self that negotiates between the two. And, for the bulk of the talk, he walked through famed psychologist Sigmund Freud’s “healthy ego functions” while layering the Buddha’s related teachings on top of each. The talk remained focused on skillful action towards long-term “true” happiness versus short-term happiness. Fun, simple examples and stories made for an engaging Dharma talk. </p>
<p>“Anticipation” was the first ego function discussed. The Buddha’s equivalent being heedfulness. The notion of planning and seeing ahead, careful to know the results of one’s actions. Knowing that skillful vs. unskillful behaviors yield different results. A key focus was on knowing one’s ability to change in this way – to change the way one shapes even the present moment. He spoke of how the Buddha taught that “there is nothing that can be quicker to change than the mind” – that developing confidence in our capacity to change is important. </p>
<p>The next ego function was “Altruism.” The Buddha’s equivalent, compassion, was discussed and how thinking of other people’s needs cultivates happiness. </p>
<p>“Suppression” and the Buddhist equivalent, restraint, described “saying ‘no’ skillfully.” Saying ‘no’ to unskillful actions and saying ‘yes’ to skillful actions when your desire is saying ‘no’ are good measures of wisdom. </p>
<p>And in relation to Suppression was “Sublimation.” Saying ‘no’ to unskillful actions but replacing them with skillful ones: “No, you can’t have the ice cream, but you can have a nice healthy vegetarian meal.” Ajaan Geoff went on to describe generosity, concentration and virtues as skills to build as go-to replacement tools. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/4e638028335a1206ccb83f8eea24e4973cc151bd/original/dbt-with-ajaan-geoff-june-13-2019-3.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />“Humor.” “If you can laugh at your foibles, it’s a lot easier to not give into your foibles.” Ajaan Geoff discussed the importance of humor and referenced the “Monastics’ Rules” in Buddhism and how they each began with funny stories for context. </p>
<p>And last was “healthy shame” which brought up discussion in the Q&A after the talk. Ajaan Geoff described how shame can be healthy because it can protect one from doing unskillful things. </p>
<p>His conclusion was that these ego functions will help you on the path. </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/3b2efd771310b08cfc013f7cf46b14ad003a9a5a/original/the-statue.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_right border_" />DBT Offers a Gift to Metta Forest Monastery’s New Meditation Hall Shrine: </p>
<p>After the lengthy and engaging Q&A (the event lasted approximately two hours), DBT cofounder, Jeff Zlotnik, came up to thank Ajaan Geoff and stated: </p>
<p>“When we opened [DBT] 13-years ago, our purpose of the Dharma Bum Temple was to introduce local folks to Buddhist practice, and to be a bridge to other schools of Buddhism. So Metta Forest Monastery and Ajaan Geoff have been very special to so many people in the DBT community…It’s been a very special place in our hearts…And we have something very special for you on behalf of this community. We know you’ve built a new meditation hall…We have a very old, very special Buddha statue that on behalf of the DBT community we came together and would like to give to you and Metta Forest Monastery, so thank you sincerely for everything…It’s from all of us.” </p>
<p>Ajaan Geoff has been a mentor, teacher and guide to many members of the DBT community. Metta Forest Monastery is one of the long-term partner Buddhist centers of the Dharma Bum Life Program and Dharma Bum Temple’s college program (Delta Beta Tau). In the Thai Forest tradition it is a common practice of merit to donate gifts to new Temple shrines. In recognition of DBT’s deep endearment and gratitude to Ajaan Geoff and Metta Forest Monastery, DBT community members came together to purchase one of the oldest and most special statues from the original Buddha for You inventory. It was made in Thailand circa 1930 and comes initially from a Temple in Thailand. The Buddha sits displaying the Dharmachakra Mudra which represent the first turning of the Dharma Wheel. This is the first teaching of the Four Noble Truths the Buddha gave his five disciples at Deer Park in Benares. </p>
<p>Once again, we send our sincere gratitude and appreciation to Ajaan Geoff and everyone at Metta Forest Monastery. Thank you for touching the lives of so many here at the Dharma Bum Temple and around the globe! </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="TO50FoCQkkI" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/TO50FoCQkkI/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TO50FoCQkkI?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p><a contents="Click here" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/TO50FoCQkkI" target="_blank">Click here</a> or the above video to watch the entire evening on the Dharma Bum Temple YouTube Channel.</p>
<p>Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu, also known as About Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu (also known as Ajaan Geoff) and Metta Forest Monastery: </p>
<p>Ajaan Geoff (born 1949), is an American Buddhist monk. Belonging to the Thai Forest Tradition, for 22 years he studied under the forest master Ajahn Fuang Jotiko (himself a student of Ajaan Lee). Since 1993 he has served as abbot of the Metta Forest Monastery in San Diego County, California — the first monastery in the Thai Forest Tradition in the US — which he cofounded with Ajahn Suwat Suvaco. </p>
<p>Ṭhānissaro Bhikkhu is perhaps best known for his translations of the Dhammapada and the Sutta Pitaka - almost 1000 suttas in all - providing the majority of the sutta translations for the reference website “Access to Insight,” as well as for his translations from the dhamma talks of the Thai Forest ajaans. He has also authored many dhamma-related works of his own, and has compiled study-guides of his Pali translations. (His wide collection of books are available free of charge at the Dharma Bum Temple Library – please help yourself). </p>
<p>Metta Forest Monastery (www.watmetta.org) is a meditation monastery in the lineage of the Thai Forest Tradition in Valley Center, CA. Founded in 1990 by Ajaan Suwat Suvaco, it has been under the direction of Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Ajaan Geoff) as abbot and meditation teacher since 1993. Their recorded Dhamma teachings and more information about Buddhism, meditation and the Thai Forest Tradition can be found at <a contents="www.dhammatalks.org " data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="http://www.dhammatalks.org" target="_blank">www.dhammatalks.org</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/57452972019-05-06T17:35:38-07:002019-07-04T16:24:45-07:00Story of the Dharma Bum Temple Shrine and New Statue Blessing Ceremony<p><br><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/9c40aa484c9e88118f344873d20cd2542a988393/original/statue-blessing-ceremony-group-photo.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsImxhcmdlIl1d.jpg" class="size_l justify_left border_" />In the beginning… </p>
<p>A Buddhist Shrine is built to foster a peaceful environment allowing one to abide in presence, while cultivating compassion and wisdom. Shrines are created to evoke calm and clear states of mind brought on by the beauty of the statues and their symbolism. A shrine is most often evolving uniquely to the place and purpose they serve. They tend to change and be added to over time as needed while also possessing some standard characteristics such as being centered by a Buddha statue. From day one, in 2006, Dharma Bum Temple’s central statue has been the Emaciated Buddha. This was and still is fitting for us Dharma Bums. </p>
<p>Before discovering “the middle way” and becoming the Buddha, which translates to “the awakened one,” Siddhartha Gautama spent years living as an ascetic in his quest to find and attain enlightenment. The Emaciated Buddha depicts the Buddha at this stage of his life when he was struggling and near death. </p>
<p>It felt right for us to sit with the Emaciated Buddha statue, because it represents where we Dharma Bums are as unenlightened practitioners. It was more relatable to us than the traditional Buddha found at most temple shrines. The Emaciated Buddha helps remind us that we too can be struggling physically, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and near death – and that we too can figure out how to end our suffering, find balance, and awaken just as Siddhartha did over 2,500 years ago. We found comfort in remembering he was also just a human who trudged a very arduous path as he found his way. So, the Emaciated Buddha helps serve to encourage, inspire and motivate us in our practice. </p>
<p>In September of 2008, we added three small Ganesha statues. Ganesha, a Hindu God, is the Lord of success, education, knowledge, wisdom, wealth and the destroyer of obstacles. At the time, we were transitioning as an organization and experiencing some early growing pains. So, the three Dharma Bum Temple co-founders each picked a little Ganesha statue as we continued to push through obstacles creating a path for a successful Temple. </p>
<p>On our shrine we also have a small Ksitigarbha statue. He is the embodiment of the Bodhisattva Vow, the aspiration to liberate all beings from suffering. A Phra Sivali statue from Thailand was also added. He was a wealthy monk believed to be the greatest patron to the Buddha and the Sangha and known for his love of giving to those in need. We added him to the shrine in 2016 when we started the journey to purchase our new Temple building. Other traditional objects such as our singing bowl and incense are there along with passing offerings of flowers, rice, and water. We also have a few simple but very precious gifts that we keep on the shrine. </p>
<p>Our New Temple Shrine </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="cmlUGOBrHfQ" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/cmlUGOBrHfQ/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cmlUGOBrHfQ?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>In 2018, leading up to our one-year anniversary in the new Temple building, a lovely couple, long-time community members who spend a lot of time in the main hall, approached us. They said they wanted to help complete and create a really special place at the front of main meditation hall. They especially wanted to provide for our Temple’s one-year anniversary ceremony. So, we collaborated with them on how we could fulfill their vision while supporting and maintaining the appropriate tone of the space. What resulted was the commission of the four Thangkas in the front of the hall. These commissions were hand painted by Lamas in Nepal. Represented are the two wings of Buddhism: 1. Manjusri for wisdom and 2. Four-Armed Guan Yin for compassion. Also represented are: 3. Amitabha Buddha known in Pure Land Buddhism as “The Buddha of Immeasurable Light and Life;” and 4. The Medicine Buddha for overall health and healing. [NOTE: If you want to learn more about these Thangkas, each has (will soon have) a description placard hanging adjacent to it in the main meditation hall] </p>
<p>A few months later this same lovely couple came back to us with another request. They asked if they could provide for more proper statuary on the main shrine – again with the idea of “completing the space.” This proposition posed massive change for us and seemed to intimidate our humble roots and modest shrine. But, as it turns out with so many things, their beautiful intention and expression was perfect. The reality was we had a much larger space now and a growing community. Everything changes. Most importantly, the couple’s intention was to make sure the space always had a powerful presence when people walked in – and when people sat in the hall as this couple so often did. It was important for them to leave Dharma Bum Temple with a gift that really blessed the space, so when people visited the hall for the next 100 +years they could be touched by the statues. They were not interested in gifting the temple as much as gifting the people who visited it. The gift was about the people who would benefit from the statues’ presence. </p>
<p>A Plan is Born </p>
<p>And so, with the decision made, we began this next adventurous phase of our shrine’s evolution. Through one our co-founders we knew an artist in Taiwan, Ms. Cho, who worked at a multigenerational statue fabrication company renowned for making temple-grade statuary. They have been making fine traditional Buddha’s for temples in Taiwan for many years. Ms. Cho had been following Dharma Bum Temple for about ten years and was excited for us when we successfully acquired our new Temple. When we asked her to help us with these new statues she enthusiastically accepted and insisted it was to be done at a family pricing rate. She was a blessing and invaluable resource over the almost twelve-month process. With the help of Ms. Cho, we decided to follow a traditional Buddhist temple shrine layout. The statues would be designed to be roughly life-sized. Ms. Cho educated us on the proper dimensions and proportions of the statues and tables on which they would sit. </p>
<p>As the plan was always to keep our Emaciated Buddha in the center we needed another statue to serve as the new central statue, to sit behind our Emaciated Buddha. So, we said to ourselves, “What does the world need more than anything? What does our country need more than anything? What do each and every one of us need?” The answer was clear: Compassion. So, we thought there was nothing better to have as the center of our Temple than a great big Guan Yin, the “Bodhisattva of Compassion” a most beloved figure throughout Buddhism. Tibetan Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama is the modern-day reincarnation of Guan Yin. The words “guan yin” translate to “hearer of the world’s cries.” So, the idea in Buddhist iconography is that Guan Yin hears all the suffering in the world and pours out compassion to heal it. The new Guan Yin is seated atop a lotus flower representing the beautiful mind blossoming out of the mud of anger, greed and ignorance. Similarly, her right hand is posed in what’s called the lotus mudra. Her left hand holds a vase from which she is pouring out compassion to heal all beings. In our shrine arrangement, Guan Yin is gazing down at our Emaciated Buddha while simultaneously her vase is pouring compassion onto him and flowing out onto all of us who enter. </p>
<p>In addition to the Guan Yin, we decided to have Manjusri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom, to the left and a Samantabhadra, the Bodhisattva of great practice and diligence, to the right. [NOTE: to learn more about these two statues, visit the descriptive placards (coming soon) just inside the main hall of the temple to the left] </p>
<p>The design phase with Ms. Cho took about 4-5 months. Since she was in Taiwan, design calls were held in the 1am-3am PST window. The process of creating custom statues is painstaking. You must decide on facial expressions, clothing, the wide variety of symbology that will adorn each statue, the multitude of color and color combinations, etc. Multiple iterations of small handmade statue models were regularly shipped from Taiwan to the Dharma Bum Temple as visual aids to help facilitate the design phone calls and collaboration. Ultimately, final designs and dimensions were locked in and Ms. Cho and her team went into production. And for us, the waiting game began. </p>
<p>Around this same time, and completely separate from this project, another anonymous donor approached Dharma Bum Temple seeking to provide funding towards completing the temple building rehabilitation. That project allowed us to reshape the shrine stage area, to remove the pulpit and excess railing creating more space. We had the shrine floors restored to their original 1927 nature. We had the walls repainted and drapery replaced leaving a clean, beautiful and fresh canvas on which to add the new statue set-up. </p>
<p>Meanwhile, our initial statue donors had also provided funding for the shrine tables. Again, with the help of Ms. Cho we had the necessary table dimensions and worked with a local designer to help us finalize the table designs. Through one of the many workers who helped on the rehabilitation of the temple, we found a phenomenal woodworker and craftsman in San Marcos named Ismael. He and his team took about 2-3 months creating our beautiful shrine tables, taking great care to perfectly match the wood color and finish to all the existing 90+ year-old woodwork. Through this interactive process we enjoyed seeing Ismael pouring his love and care into his work and seeing his satisfaction in working with a Dharma Bum Temple volunteer team who helped carry the giant statue tables into place in the main hall. </p>
<p>Like Ismael and his crew, so many people involved in this new building seemed to fall in love it and what it stood for. Ms. Cho felt the same way before we even engaged her and insisted on covering all shipping expenses from Taiwan to Los Angeles which included insurance and customs fees. And then she stunned us with this: as a gift to the Temple, she had made 100 sets of mini-replicas to scale of the three new shrine statues – the Manjusri, Guan Yin and Samantabhadra, so they could be sold in the gift store in support of Dharma Bum Temple. Needless to say, we are beyond grateful to Ms. Cho and have sent her a thank you gift including a photo of our community gathered in front of the beautiful statues – statues that will grace our Temple and its visitors for centuries to come. </p>
<p>The Waiting Game is Over </p>
<p>It was the morning the statues were set to arrive. Ms. Cho had been checking the weather report and saw that San Diego called for rain that morning. She began to chant from 11pm-3am Taiwan time, which was the scheduled time for arrival of the new statues. Her prayer was for the statues to arrive safely and that there was no rain. </p>
<p>At 7:45am on the misty Monday morning of March 11, 2019, a small crew congregated in Dharma Bum Temple’s main hall. A notice had gone out on the DBT Facebook page the night before: “We’re looking for six relatively strong people who are available 8am-12pm this Monday to help Dharma Bum Temple. If you are interested please send us a message. Thank you!” Most were not aware of the nature of the project. All were pleasantly excited once they learned. They were oriented to the day’s plan as attendees of the morning meditation service were diverted to the downstairs meditation hall. In the main hall, an incense offering and morning ritual was performed with this volunteer crew and Dharma Bum Temple co-founders Jeff and Maggie to prepare the hall and its shrine area for the arriving statues. They were expected to arrive within an 8am to 12pm window. </p>
<p>One of the volunteers had brought all sorts of amazing stuff to form what was an absolute A-grade breakfast buffet. Everyone sat together in the library waiting and eating breakfast. It was cold that morning. Someone else had brought one of those big boxes of Starbucks coffee. A fun contest emerged: guess what time the truck will arrive. Each person picked a time. This game had several chapters as time passed with no truck. Conversations were had as folks got to know each other. The cold, grey and misty day made it particularly cozy inside. Finally, at around 11am a call from the driver came in. He was about 20 minutes away. The volunteer cadre made its way to the street and eagerly awaited. None had won the time contest, although the contest had provided some fun banter along the way. And then finally…”Is that the truck?! Yep, I think that’s it!” And the crowd started waving him in…”Here! Here! Over here!” As he pulled up, they were alarmed as two dogs started barking loudly and incessantly from the truck’s passenger window, and the driver hopped out looking not very pleased. Jeff, greeted him with a cheery “Hey! How ya doing?” to which the driver replied “If I told you good I’d be lying.” The driver seemed confused as we eagerly sought for him to open the door. The scene was confused. As he opened the door the driver said “How are you going to load 9,800 pounds?” This further confused the situation – the statue shipment supposedly had a total weight much less. As the door opened to an empty truck there was a confusion climax quickly followed by a realization. This driver, this truck had arrived to pick up a 9,800 pound load from across the street! It was the wrong truck! Just then the correct truck pulled up and the grumpy fellow with the noisy barking dogs was politely asked to make way. </p>
<p>The new, correct, and perfectly friendly driver pulled up, popped the door and revealed our giant crates. Big wood crate boxes with bubble-wrapped statues inside. The excitement was palpable, and the team anxious to get to work! The crates with the boxes of the mini-statue duplicates were small enough to be rolled into the temple building, the bigger statues would needed to lifted in by hand. And the Guan Yin crate needed to be dismantled outside it was so large. About 60-minutes later of sawing, crowbarring and hammering the Guan Yin crate was dismantle enough to pull its precious cargo out to carry inside. From there, it seemed another 30-minutes to very carefully remove the bubble-wrap. That first unveiling when her golden head was revealed was a sweet moment. The worker-bees in the room tapped each other on the shoulders and pointed, and the room got quiet…the statues had finally arrived. </p>
<p>Thankfully, the collective experience of unpackaging Guan Yin made the Manjusri and Samantabhadra a far more efficient process. By two o’clock the new shrine was in position, the meditation hall was clean and the job was done. It looked like the shrine been there forever and like it was meant to be there. Pride and joy were in the air and a special day was officially capped off. We completed the welcoming of the new statues with another incense offering and ritual blessing. The happy and satisfied crew made their way downstairs for a nice casual lunch together, raised our cups of fresh squeezed orange juice and said “to Sangha” and then parted ways, most as new friends. </p>
<p>The donors of these beautiful statues, the fine statue tables and our new Thangkas, this beautiful couple, has chosen to remain anonymous. But rest assured, we have and will continue to extend our endless gratitude to them for their thoughtfulness and generosity to all of us and all of those who will enter this temple. We are all forever grateful. On behalf of all Dharma Bums and visitors to the Dharma Bum Temple we send you love, and we thank you, thank you, thank you! Your gift will be cherished for centuries to come. </p>
<p>Blessing of the New Statues </p>
<p><iframe class="justify_inline" data-video-type="youtube" data-video-id="5eojHh6JLPM" data-video-thumb-url="https://img.youtube.com/vi/5eojHh6JLPM/mqdefault.jpg" type="text/html" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5eojHh6JLPM?rel=0&wmode=transparent&enablejsapi=1" frameborder="0" height="180" width="320" allowfullscreen="true"></iframe></p>
<p>A blessing of our new statues was set for Saturday May 4th at 11am. We invited Venerable Master Bhante Piyananda to lead a traditional “Open Eye” ceremony to formally welcome the statues into the Dharma Bum Temple. The ceremony itself was to “bring to life” the power and beauty of the statues. Bhante Piyananda was joined by two other Buddhist Monks from Sri Lanka, Venerable Bhante Seelawimala and Venerable Bhante Seelaratana. One of them lives in Sacramento and when he found out the day prior about our ceremony he said he wanted to join us. So that evening he caught a flight to Los Angeles and drove with the other two to San Diego on Saturday morning. We were honored to host the three Monks who shared thoughts on the meaning of the statues, gave a talk on compassion and led us in a Loving-Kindness meditation. At the end of the ceremony, we all gathered for a beautiful group photo followed by smiles, hugs and endless joy…</p>
<p><a contents="Click here to watch the Blessing of Statues performed Saturday May 4th, 2019" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/5eojHh6JLPM" target="_blank">Click here to watch the Blessing of Statues performed Saturday May 4th, 2019</a></p>
<p><a contents="Click here to watch a slideshow illustrating the entire journey of the statues" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/cmlUGOBrHfQ" target="_blank">Click here to watch a slideshow illustrating the entire journey of the statues</a></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/57298162019-04-23T14:42:20-07:002020-01-17T01:52:52-08:00Statue Blessing Ceremony - Venerable Bhante Piyananda<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/cb2b6d46048da182378ade596ed6d18d2d4b32d4/original/87da59a79de453243a69d300b24befe6.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Join us on Saturday May 4th at 11am for a special ceremony blessing the new statues at the Dharma Bum Temple. Six weeks ago we welcomed our new Bodhisattva statues of Guan Yin, Manjusri and Samantabhadra. This is very auspicious occasion and we are honored to share it with you all! We are grateful for Venerable Bhante Piyananda for coming back to San Diego for this beautiful day. </p>
<p>Bhante Walpola Piyananda, a Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka, arrived in the West Coast of America on July 4, 1976. He was 33 then. During his early days in the United States, people had never heard of a Buddhist monk. He was ridiculed, humiliated and ignored; at times, he was a victim of mistaken identity. However, all the nasty incidents did not deter Piyananda from settling down in the United States where he has been residing for 33 years. Ordained at the age of 12, he took the name of his village, Walpola, and the Buddhist name, Piyananda, which means “pleasant joy”. </p>
<p>Bhante is the author of two books, Saffron Days in LA and The Bodhi Tree Grows in LA which feature funny and poignant tales of his life as a Buddhist monk in the United States. His third book is in the works. He is the founder-president and abbot of Dharma Vijaya Buddhist Vihara in Los Angeles, California. It is one of the oldest Theravada Buddhist temples in North America. He is also president of the Sangha Council of Southern California, Chief High Priest in the United States, and advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on international religious affairs.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/87bc42400d78480e59dc64533a4b0701f743f259/original/main-hall-used-in-ad.jpg/!!/b:W10=.jpg" class="size_l justify_center border_" /></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/57047542019-04-02T17:42:52-07:002020-08-19T05:35:31-07:00A Birthday Fundraiser for the Dharma Bum Temple<p><a contents="" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/374824163367111/2673123029370531/" target="_blank"><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/d75fbf1d0309f4af45802a1c496a373df1da61da/original/bdfdbt.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.png" class="size_m justify_left border_" /></a>Dear Friends, </p>
<p>Every Spring for my birthday I raise money for the Dharma Bum Temple. It has been an amazing start to 2019 here at the Dharma Bum Temple! Each week we see 500-700 people who come thru these doors and many of them their lives are forever changed. I want to give special thanks to everyone who supported us last year and continues to support us today. Your contributions make everything we do possible! </p>
<p>Our programs are running well helping thousands of people find a sense of peace in their life. The Recovery Sangha has grown tremendously with groups meeting five times a week. The Family Sangha has grown as well still meeting twice a month while holding camping trips, events at a park or beach and holiday parties. We have a steady flow of people coming to our weekly meditation classes led by many lay people in the community. We have hosted some of the most well-known Buddhist Monks and Nuns from around the globe as our Guest Teacher Program continues to thrive. Delta Beta Tau which is our college outreach program hosts weekly meditations for 80-100 people, feeds the homeless and goes on retreats to various Buddhist Temples. We have a weekly Dharma Bum Teens program led by our college kids sharing meditation and Buddhist teachings in a discussion format. Movie Nights are now happening every Friday evening. Morning Meditation is thriving in silence 5 days a week. The Prison Outreach Program is steady as we continue to be of service at two correctional facilities. The Day of Silence Retreats are packed with 20-30 silent people every month. The Food Redistribution Program is amazing still feeding a few hundred people a week with the new/old format of redistributing food that would be wasted. A new volunteer team has completely restructured this program and it’s incredible! It also brings us great pleasure to be livestreaming three of our weekly classes with more coming soon, all on our new Dharma Bum Temple YouTube Channel. </p>
<p>The return of the Dharma Bum Life Program (DBLP) has brought great excitement to the DBT as well with a committed group of 24 people! We have started a new afternoon Dharma Program, showing a Dharma talk followed by meditation and discussion now every Tuesday at 12pm. This is utilizing the A/V system that was so generously donated last year. The DBLP is also giving new life to an electronic recycling program and taking ownership of the Dharma Bum Library with many new and exciting changes here as well. They are also working on revising our volunteer cleaning and gardening program in addition to playing a role in the restructuring of the Food Redistribution Program. </p>
<p>Each Spring we look to you the community to make donations to help us sustain monthly expenses and help us pay down the debt of the building. It is our intention to raise $44,000 in the month of April. We say everything we do at the Dharma Bum Temple is free and that is the truth. We do however have a lot of expenses and we hope you will continue to support us as we move forward. </p>
<p>We have a 2-year plan to raise funds via individual donors, grants and private foundations to pay off the remaining $654,000 on the property loan. I will continue to work diligently to ensure the Dharma Bum Temple is secure for many generations, starting with the next 2 years to get us debt free! </p>
<p>You may make a donation <a contents="here via our Facebook Fundraising Campaign" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://www.facebook.com/donate/374824163367111/2673123029370531/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#3333ff;">here via our Facebook Fundraising Campaign</span></a> as there are no fees. You may donate via the DBT website or you may send a check made out to Dharma Bum Temple. If you visit the website donation page, you will see we have added many different ways one can donate and support the Dharma Bum Temple. All donations are of course tax-deductible. </p>
<p>As Co-Founder and Executive Director, it is an honor to be of service to this community. Thank you for all the love and support you have shown us Dharma Bums. Together we learn to think good thoughts, speak good words and do deeds all for the benefit of others. We have succeeded but we are not done yet, not even close... </p>
<p>Yours in the Dharma, <br>Jeffrey Zlotnik <br>Co-Founder & Executive Director <br>Dharma Bum Temple <br>www.thedharmabums.org </p>
<p>If you prefer to donate via the DBT website click here - <span style="color:#3333ff;">https://www.thedharmabums.org/one-time-donation</span></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/57017072019-03-31T13:48:55-07:002019-03-31T13:48:55-07:00New Afternoon Meditation & Discussion<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/0df08a1ad43a7e7d8195f12bd969aee81a017058/original/afternoon-dharma-flyer.png/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsInNtYWxsIl1d.png" class="size_s justify_left border_" /><span class="font_regular">Sending a very special thank you to our Afternoon Meditation Planning Team of Natalie Oganesyan, Tayler Jackson Buffington, Wendy Salazar and David Craven for implementing a NEW PROGRAM at the Temple. We are now hosting weekly meditation and Dharma Talks every Tuesday at 12pm-1pm. We will show a 20 minute Dharma Talk on the new projector which will roll into a 20 minute silent meditation followed by a 20 minute discussion. So beautiful to see this program happening born from the diligent effort of those in the Dharma Bum Life Program!</span></p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/57001282019-03-29T16:41:11-07:002020-06-04T21:46:11-07:00DBT Library - Books Wanted<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/aa3b2cc403ad3d52028068df0f7e915939fa1db3/original/book-donation-program-program.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />A message below from new our Library Team from Dharma Bum Life Program: </p>
<p>Calling all book lovers!!! We have been graciously tasked with filling the empty shelves in the DBT library with more Buddhist goodness. We’re starting with our Sangha (aka you!). </p>
<p>In a collective effort to bring a variety of enlightenment to all who enter the temple, here's the ask in three easy steps (please): </p>
<p>1. Take 5 minutes to check your bookshelves. <br>2. If you borrowed a book and you’re ready to return it OR if you see a Buddhist book collecting dust that you’re ready to pass on... <br>3. Place your book(s) in the donation box in the library next time you come to DBT. </p>
<p>We’re seeking sources for Buddhist books as well, so email us at thedharmabumtemple@gmail.com if you have questions, additional recommendations, or are interested in giving back as part of our library team. </p>
<p>Many thanks!! <br>DBT Library Team</p>
<p> </p>Dharma Bum Templetag:thedharmabums.org,2005:Post/56971082019-03-27T14:18:51-07:002019-03-29T15:03:07-07:00New Statues at DBT<p><img src="//d10j3mvrs1suex.cloudfront.net/u/117213/2eccba789c433d2d1a73145c211b18225b7aa94f/original/4.jpg/!!/undefined/b:W1sic2l6ZSIsIm1lZGl1bSJdXQ==.jpg" class="size_m justify_left border_" />Monday March 11, 2019 our precious gifts arrived from Taiwan! This has been a year long journey and the statues are finally home. The handmade and hand painted statues took about 8 months to make. We are now blessed with the Bodhisattvas Guan Yin, Manjusri and Samantabhadra. The statues were a generous gift from a lovely couple here at the Dharma Bum Temple. It was their greatest wish to provide us with statues that would deeply move us all as we sit at Temple. These statues bring compassion, wisdom and great practice to this community and we are forever grateful! For those interested, the new statues are discussed at minute 37 to minute 57 of the this YouTube Audio Stream - <a contents="https://youtu.be/2dHja9snckw" data-link-label="" data-link-type="url" href="https://youtu.be/2dHja9snckw" target="_blank">https://youtu.be/2dHja9snckw</a></p>
<p> </p>Dharma Bum Temple