Becoming a Member


The first step in becoming a member of the Louisville Zen Center is attending an Introduction to Zen Meditation workshop.  


To apply for membership, first read Becoming a Member then complete both a Membership Application Form and a Pledge Form. Voluntary contribution suggestions are shown on the pledge form, but you may promise more or less according to what your financial circumstances reasonably permit.  


To ensure confidentiality, give the forms and your initial membership contribution to the Group Leader or simply mail them to the Center with "Membership" in the address line.  Please don't make your initial membership contribution by Paypal. 


Once the forms have been reviewed, the Group Leader will schedule a meeting with you to discuss any questions you may have about the Center, membership, and other ways of getting involved. Membership may be approved at this meeting.


After becoming a member, for your convenience, future membership donations can be made using the Paypal button shown below.  Feel free to use the Paypal account you already have, but it isn’t necessary.  Nor do you have to create an account.  Just follow the prompts to donate by debit or credit card.  To avoid any confusion, indicate the purpose of the contribution in the Instructions for Zen Center section (example: "Membership January - March 2017").

The Louisville Zen Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers.  Your membership contributions go directly toward activities that support Zen practice allowing us to continue offering these services to others.  By becoming a member, you'll be providing ongoing support for the Center's work even when you can't be there to put a contribution in the basket.  Membership and other forms of giving are tax-deductible.

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The practice of Zen has always been based on a strong effort by the individual.  Becoming a Member of the Center can assist in that effort by providing opportunities to strengthen Zen practice, cultivate mindfulness in everyday life, and more deeply engage in our supportive community.  


About Membership


Membership is open to anyone 18 years of age and over.  Even those not wishing to become a student of Roshi Bodhin Kjolhede, Abbot of the Rochester Zen Center, as well as students of other teachers are welcome as members.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, national or ethnic origin, gender, age, religion, or sexual orientation. 


Zen Center members may participate in our activities to whatever extent they wish.  Members may:

  • Attend formal and informal meditation sessions, group and individual instructions, Zen talks/commentaries, study-discussion groups, and observances and ceremonies. 
  • Contribute to the spiritual functioning of the Center by being trained in timing, monitoring, and other zendo duties. 
  • Receive preference for retreats, classes, and workshops. 
  • Receive discounts on fee-based retreats, residential training, materials, classes, and workshops. 
  • Receive a complimentary subscription to Zen Bow, a quarterly journal published by the Rochester Zen Center.
  • Attend secular functions of the Center such as picnics, potlucks, and other social activities. 
  • Take part in governing the Center and setting administrative policy by voting in the election of directors and upon matters before meetings of members, by serving on committees, and by running for office on the board of directors. ​​