Becoming A Member

Everyone is welcome to visit and do zazen with us at any of our community sittings or events. If you would like to establish a relationship with the Honolulu Diamond Sangha, there are several levels of participation.

Levels of Participation

No formal relationship: All are welcome to come to community sittings and other events. We have a donation box if you wish to contribute financially to help support the facility and our programs. You may write a check to the Honolulu Diamond Sangha, contribute cash, or go to our Giving page to use a credit card. The Honolulu Diamond Sangha is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and all gifts and financial donations can be claimed for tax purposes as allowable by law.We appreciate your support.

Friendship: You may declare yourself a friend of the Honolulu Diamond Sangha. Friends are those who feel an affinity for the Honolulu Diamond Sangha and contribute financially but do not participate in our programs as actively as Members, or do not feel ready to join as Members. Friends contribute financially at whatever level they wish.

Membership: You may declare yourself a member of the Honolulu Diamond Sangha. Members consider HDS to be their Dharma home and  participate in our programs such as group zazen, samu, sesshin, committee meetings, Dharma study, twice a month, or more, on average. They also contribute financial support. Members’ privileges include reduced rates for sesshin and the opportunity to serve on the Board of Directors, and to fully participate in Sangha decision-making meetings.

To initially establish membership, you must have been practicing Zen with the Honolulu Diamond Sangha for at least three months and have submitted a membership application in which you affirm that the Honolulu Diamond Sangha is your dharma home. There is no required minimum pledge for membership.

*If you wish to become a Member or Friend, complete the membership application form and the member/friend and pledge declaration form. These forms are available on the Documents page.