Generosity Policy

Supporting the Center, the Teachers and the Teachings

We can afford to open ourselves and join the rest of the world with a sense of tremendous generosity, tremendous goodness, and tremendous richness. The more we give, the more we gain - although what we gain should not particularly be our reason for giving. Rather, the more we give, the more we are inspired to give constantly. And the gaining process happens naturally, automatically. - Chögyam Trungpa Rinpoche

I.  The View
In line with our inspiration and aspirations, the Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago is committed to making the Shambhala teachings available to individuals of all financial means. This comes about only through the immense generosity of our teachers and all those who support our Center with their energy and their money. 

II.   Statement of Policy
Financial support of the Center enables us to open our doors for public meditation Sunday mornings and evenings and Tuesday evenings.  We also give meditation instruction to all newcomers.

Everyone is encouraged to express appreciation and gratitude for the opportunity to meditate together and receive the Shambhala Buddhist teachings. Our ability to offer a place to meditate and study depends on the support of volunteers, the generosity of the community, and program fees. Generosity is expressed in many ways, for example:

• Pledging a regular monthly donation as a member or a supporting friend   
• Making contributions of any size in the donation box or for special fund campaigns
• Paying what one can afford to attend classes and programs
• Volunteering at the Center. 

Fees for classes and programs are necessary to offset program expense, to cover costs of those with limited ability to pay, and to maintain the Center.  Program expenses include items such as travel, hospitality, and an honorarium for the teacher. They also include refreshments for participants, flowers, and a percentage for Center overhead such as mortgage, repairs, utilities, cleaning and administration. Except for the Center Director and the Administrative Assistant, Center activities are staffed by volunteers. 

The Shambhala Meditation Center of Chicago encourages program participants to pay what they can afford. People whose financial situation limits their ability to pay may contribute to the extent they are able. No one will be turned away for lack of payment.

Individuals who are not able to pay the full program fee should pre-register for programs online and indicate their request in the “notes” section provided. It is not necessary to provide an explanation. Individuals may also request that the program coordinator contact them personally.  Pre-registrations may also be made at the Center by depositing the form and a note in the donation box.

Shambhala, Shambhala Meditation Center, and Shambhala Center are registered service marks of Shambhala International (Varjadhatu). Shambhala Training is a registered trademark of Shambhala/Nalanda Foundation.