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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).
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