Sacramento Dharma Center

Slowly but surely each Sangha and SDC itself is learning what it takes to keep the center up and running, trim and beautiful. We are looking forward to the long awaited envisioning process this coming May 20th and 21st.

The monthly workdays have worked well so far. And now with spring growth and the Center activities ramping up we see a need for a more consistent and organized system of ongoing maintenance tasks and cleaning activities. To do this an idea has been developed to recruit a core group of committed persons who volunteer for specific tasks to be completed on a regular basis.

Ideally, there would be a commitment for a period of time. You could choose a time that is convenient for you then SDC would commit to arranging access to buildings and materials for you.  For example, the grass in the front of the building will likely need to be mown at least every two weeks during the spring and summer.  We anticipate needing at least four volunteers to maintain this schedule on a rotating basis. if you were interested in offering this dana/service you would contact the Volunteer Coordinator for orientation and scheduling.  The same if you were interested in volunteering for interior tasks. Everyone interested in this would be introduced and would work out the details of the rotation.

A list of specific focus areas has been developed and may be viewed below. Does this seem like something you would be interested in helping with? The gift of your time and energy is a wonderful form of dana and dana is central to our practices.

If you are interested please look at the task lists and get back to me, Jerry Simkins, Volunteer Coordinator. We will work to accommodate your schedule as much as possible. If you would like to volunteer or if you simply have questions please contact me. My numbers are below.

Warm Regards,

Interior Volunteer Tasks

EXTERIOR VOLUNTEER TASKS

Jim Hare began the program by telling the Center’s creation story. From a seed planted in 2009, until the Fall of 2016, dozens of people and sanghas have worked to nurture the seed which has flowered into our permanent, historical home for Buddhism. A deep parable about our interdependence. Rich Howard offered a welcome on behalf of Sacramento Insight Meditation, reminding us that our actions flow forward to the children of our community and what a precious opportunity that presents: our interbeing. Reverend Myo Lahey, welcomed the community on behalf of Valley Steams Zen Sangha. His delight in SDC was palpable and he noted our collaborative effort nourishes not only our region, but also helps American Buddhism rise up. On behalf of SBMG, Reverend Bob Oshita reminded us to seek and practice what resonates. Buddhism, he said, offers a smorgasbord of Dharmic lessons; it is in our seeking that we will find.City Council member Eric Guerra and Bishop Jon Fish of the Sacramento Interfaith Council welcomed us to our neighborhood and larger community. Eric later posted a photo on facebook stating, “We have new center for the community to find peace & meditation at the Sacramemto Dharma Center.”

Sister Amma Thanasanti, of the Aranya Bodhi Forest Hermitage, brought us back to center, welcoming sangha and lay community to our refuge. Leading us in chanting the Brahmaviharas in Pali surely permeated the meditation hall with wise energy!

Our gratefulness goes to the dozens of donors who have helped, and continue to help, with the financial dana needed to purchase and operate the Dharma Center. We are thankful for the many volunteers who put in hours making the building and grounds even more beautiful than before, preparing and setting out food, then clearing and washing. A heartfelt shout out to Valley Streams Zen Sangha for graciously serving tea!

More News

Another welcoming community event took place on Jan. 20, when we hosted the Inauguration Day Sitting, offering a time of peace and groundedness for about 70 folks who came to participate throughout the morning.

December-January improvements at SDC include: garden clean-up and plantings; walkway for the shed; window washing; art pieces up on the walls; grout cleaned and brightened in the older restrooms; Library taking shape with bookshelves almost full; Board applying for SMUD rebates for energy-saving and appealing LED lighting to replace fluorescents bright new prayer flags and more donated by Zanzibar Trading Co.; and a Lost and Found now available in the building manager’s office near west entry.

We are deeply grateful for the generous gifts which came in for our end-of-year campaign, allowing us to move forward with these improvements, the new heater and air conditioning unit, and the upcoming all-sangha envisioning process for our garden space and building. May you enjoy the merit and joy of giving to our collective efforts to creating a sanctuary for meditation and Buddha’s teachings, welcoming everyone who seeks to end suffering and live in harmony.