Booking

You don't have to be Buddhist to use the Dharma Center.

Our lovely grounds are an ideal setting for:

• retreats
• weddings
• classes
• workshops
• meetings
• and more

The Meditation Hall is a serene, sacred setting where groups sit in silence, but where it's also okay to cut loose and dance. Please no shoes in the meditation hall unless prior arrangements have been made.

The Center has a large, commercial-quality kitchen with its own meeting area. This is where small groups (up to 12 people) gather for tea, potlucks, poetry, workshops, small meetings, and socializing.

Our members include several skilled facilitators who are available to guide organizations with strategic planning, evaluation, and other organizational development needs.

The grounds are shaded by ancient oaks and include a large deck area and a stage for performances. We are located within the Sky Creek Business Park, a campus-like setting with ponds and walking trails. Our grounds face the City of Chico's Sky Creek Park where a year-round creek wanders through a riparian woodland populated by many species of birds.

We ask that all individuals and groups who use the center do so with an attitude of mindful respect for our overall purpose, which is to cultivate spiritual development. Use of illegal drugs is not appropriate. Moderate use of alcohol (never to the point of drunkenness) may be acceptable at celebrations such as weddings. Be familiar with the Five Mindfulness Trainings (below) prior to applying to use the center. If you feel your event will be in harmony with these trainings we encourage you to apply.

Rates vary according to type of activity; contact the Resident Facilitator at 530.893.8088 for more details.

Five Mindfulness Trainings
(edited for brevity)

The First Mindfulness Training

Aware of the suffering caused by the destruction of life, I am committed to cultivating compassion and learning ways to protect the lives of people, animals, plants and minerals.

The Second Mindfulness Training

Aware of suffering caused by exploitation, social injustice, stealing and oppression, I am committed to cultivating loving kindness and learning ways to work for the well-being of people, animals, plants and minerals. I will practise generosity by sharing my time, energy and material resources with those who are in real need.

The Third Mindfulness Training

Aware of the suffering caused by sexual misconduct, I am committed to cultivating responsibility and learning ways to protect the safety and integrity of individuals, couples, families and society. I am determined not to engage in sexual relations without love and a long-term commitment. To preserve the happiness of myself and others, I am determined to respect my commitments and the commitments of others. I will do everything in my power to protect children from sexual abuse and to prevent couples and families from being broken by sexual misconduct.

The Fourth Mindfulness Training

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful speech and the inability to listen to others, I am committed to cultivating loving speech and deep listening in order to bring joy and happiness to others and relieve others of their suffering. I am determined to make all efforts to reconcile and resolve all conflicts, however small.

The Fifth Mindfulness Training

Aware of the suffering caused by unmindful consumption, I am committed to cultivating good health, both physical and mental, for myself, my family and my society by practising mindful eating, drinking and consuming. I will ingest only items that preserve peace, well-being and joy in my body, in my consciousness and in the collective body and consciousness of my family and society.

Click for a full version of the Five Mindfulness Trainings, and the more comprehensive Fourteen Mindfulness Traingings (Plum Village website).