Membership

Becoming a Member of Palpung Thubten Choling

In order to accommodate the needs and aspirations of a diverse body of members, we offer a variety of membership plans. These include Basic Membership, Five Year Membership, Ten Year Membership, and Lifetime Membership. Read more about membership options below, and fill out the form here. To download our printable membership enrollment form, click here.

The purpose of membership

The first students of Buddha Shakyamuni understood the need to create a practical environment to support their study, meditation, and practice. Under the guidance of the Buddha, they organized themselves into a community of like-minded practitioners known in Sanskrit as sangha. This practice of building a sangha has continued into the modern era, serving as an effective antidote to the seemingly endless distractions that all too easily come between us and our best intentions.

In accordance with a tradition that extends back to the very earliest days of Buddhism, we invite you to become a member of Palpung Thubten Choling Monastery or one of our affiliated Dharma centers. Formal members of any affiliated center also receive basic membership benefits at the monastery. Membership at any level is a meaningful way of participating in the monastery and/or dharma center’s activities while accumulating merit and gaining support for your own study and practice.

You can use the form below to enroll in the Palpung Thubten Choling membership plan of your choice, using a debit or credit card or a Paypal account. If you prefer to enroll via USPS, simply print out a copy of the membership enrollment form pdf and mail it with your check or credit card information to Palpung Thubten Choling, 245 Sheafe Road, Wappingers Falls, NY 12590, Attention: Treasurer. Please make your check payable to Palpung Thubten Choling or PTC. To learn about our 2022 Community Drive please click here.

Membership plans

Please note: Family memberships apply only to people living in the same household.

Basic Membership

The basic plan includes monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual membership payment options. Members in good standing (for six months or longer) receive discounts on teaching seminars and accommodations, as well as on purchase of practice materials and audio recordings.

Ten-Year Membership

In addition to receiving the same benefits as Five-Year Members, members at this level are invited each year to attend one weekend seminar at Palpung Thubten Choling as our guest.

Five-Year Membership

Members at this level receive all the benefits of the Basic Membership. Five-Year Members are also invited as special guests to attend Palpung Thubten Choling’s Tibetan New Year celebrations. Palpung Thubten Choling offers 100 butterlamps on your behalf each year, together with prayers for the fulfillment of your aspirations.

Lifetime Membership

Those who choose to join at this level are accorded the same benefits as Ten-Year Members, and are also invited as special guests to attend the auspicious ceremonies marking the end of each three-year retreat. Each year, prayers are offered on behalf of Lifetime Members during a special fire offering ceremony, as well as during the three-day Drolma Yuldok practice for the removal of obstacles. In addition, Lifetime Members are invited to attend any one weekend of teaching at Palpung Thubten Choling.

Thank you for considering membership in Palpung Thubten Choling Monastery or one of its affiliated centers. Support through membership serves not only as a meaningful way of participating in monastery and dharma center activities, but also as a means of preserving and spreading the wisdom of the Buddha. We look forward to welcoming you!

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