Sangha - The Community
The sangha is the community of people who walk the Buddhist path and practice together. MZMC's sangha includes not only people from around the Twin Cities, but across the country and around the world as well. The ways in which sangha members participate in the life of MZMC varies.
A number of them come to Ganshoji and Hokyoji to do zazen and hear lectures and discussions. Many have chosen to become financially supporting members of MZMC. Some volunteer their time and talents to organize and operating the organization's programs and activities. There is a place at MZMC for everyone who wishes to practice with us.

Volunteer Opportunities
MZMC is a nonprofit organization that depends largely on the support of its volunteers. We need your support! Volunteering can be an important opportunity to practice mindfulness in daily life, to get to know other people in the sangha and for sangha members to support each other's practice. If you are interested in volunteer opportunities at MZMC, please call us. Besides your name and phone number, we'll need to know your area(s) of interest, how often you can volunteer, and what days and times work best with your schedule.
Areas where volunteers are needed (those most in need are in red):

Become an MZMC Member
Joining others on the path is an important part of Zen practice. The sangha, or community of people who practice together, is the third of the Three Treasures-Buddha, dharma and sangha. Members of the sangha share zazen (sitting meditation), study, work and fellowship, which support individual activities and provide many opportunities for deepening practice.

At the Minnesota Zen Meditation Center (MZMC), there are many opportunities for you to participate in sangha activities, and you may choose the level of membership involvement which best fits you and your practice. There is a place for everyone who supports the goals of MZMC and wishes to be formally associated with the sangha.

To become a Member:
- decide to be formally associated with the sangha and support MZMC's mission
- make and fulfill a financial pledge to the community
- volunteer in whatever way you can, wherever you can. You can live anywhere and be a member.

Member benefits:
- voting rights at annual meeting
- discounted courses and sesshins
- newsletters, special mailings and Annual Report

Member financial contributions:
We ask that people determine a membership pledge amount based on their personal financial situation. A suggested membership donation is 2% of income (that's about one hour's pay per week). Of course, everyoneÕs personal circumstances are different, so think of this formula as a helpful guideline.

Special Funds
Please consider making a gift to one or more of these MZMC funds.

Endowment Fund
This small fund began thanks to an anonymous donor in 1996, and needs nourishment. Zen Center invests this fund for long-term growth; it's our statement of, and commitment to, planning for our future. When this fund reaches a certain size, it can allow us to obtain important professional services for donors who wish to include us, for example, in their estate planning or planned giving. Donations to this fund are maintained in segregated accounts and are restricted to Fund purposes.

Hokyoji Fund
Donations to this fund are used solely for expenses to develop Hokyoji, Zen Center's country retreat center in southern Minnesota. Hokyoji is treasured by many Zen practitioners and other friends locally, nationally and abroad. It needs much work; many temporary structures at Hokyoji are nearing the end of their useful lives and the permanent structures have major maintenance needs. We face significant challenges here.

Ganshoji Fund
Donations to this fund are used solely for expenses to develop Ganshoji, the temple on Lake Calhoun in Minneapolis. Past contributions have supported the roof repair ($17,000 in 1997 for the east face tile roof; $3,000 in 1998 for the third floor rubber roof). Ganshoji has urgent needs for window repair, stucco repair, serious structural work on the north side of the Buddha hall, and more.

Minnesota Zen Meditation Center Statement of Ethical Conduct and Precepts