FAQ’s – What to Expect at Class

Dharma Center is a place where you can explore who you really are. It can take time or be instantaneous. It is a place of friendships and unique personal experiences. We welcome you to join us in the practice of Trikaya Buddhism. Here are the answers to a few common questions.

What does Pay What You Wish mean?

• We offer weekly classes and practice sessions with no set tuition. Instead we request a donation that fits your budget. If you find value in what we offer, please help support Dharma Center by giving a donation in the amount of your choice, even if that is nothing. The amount is entirely up to you. We accept cash, checks, and credit cards. You can also donate online HERE.
• Certain special workshops have a set tuition, and these are clearly marked on our calendar. We also have a Dharma Supporter Membership program for those who wish to contribute to maintaining our meditation hall. Members also receive additional benefits.
• Another way to support Dharma Center is to Volunteer. Helping to run the Temple is a powerful way to interact with long time students and teachers that will give you more opportunities to apply the practice in daily life.

What is the Online etiquette for classes?

• Most of our public classes can be accessed via Zoom; please register in advance if possible.
• When you log in, your microphone should automatically be muted when you enter the meeting. Please double check that it is muted.
• We appreciate when people share their video as this enhances teacher-student engagement.
• Dress for class whether you are there via Zoom or in person. We are a casual group, and we understand how appearance affects our attention. Wear something comfortable that makes you feel alert and confident. Taking the time to prepare for your encounter with meditation will improve your attention and you’ll get more out of the session. Do this even if you don’t have video.
• Turn off your other devices and alerts. Again, please treat the online class as if you are there in person so you get the most out of it. If something comes up and you must place your attention elsewhere, please ensure your video is off and mute your microphone so you don’t disturb others.
• Allow the teacher to teach; do not interrupt. Wait to see if the teacher invites questions. Remember to unmute when invited to ask a question, and then mute yourself when done. Questions can also be entered into the Chat window. Chat messages go only to the teacher. Read below for more information about what to do before, during, and after class.
• It is customary to offer a donation for the class. You can pay what you wish on our Donate page or make a payment via Zelle (tuition@dharmacenter.com).
• Please be patient and bring a sense of humor as we sometimes have technical difficulties!

What should I do before class in person?

• Dress for class. We are a casual group at the beach, and we understand how appearance affects our attention. Wear something comfortable that makes you feel alert and confident. Taking the time to prepare for your encounter with meditation will improve your attention and you’ll get more out of the session.
• Please arrive a few minutes early. We will close the door before class begins. If you are late, please join us online. Be sure to give yourself plenty of time to find parking.
• Finish all food before entering Dharma Center. (If you must eat before class, it’s best to have only a light snack before meditation.) Sometimes we have chocolate on the desk for after class. You are welcome to bring individually wrapped chocolates to share as well!
• Attendance: At the start of class the teacher will ask your name so we can update our attendance records.
• It is customary to donate for each class as a way of giving back. You can place a cash or check contribution in the box, or use one of the QR codes to get to our donation page.  (If there is a set tuition for a special event, please be prepared to pay prior to the event.)
• Remove your shoes and leave them in the front room under the bench or chairs.
• If you have a purse, please bring it into the meditation room with you. We cannot be responsible for missing or lost items.
• Silence all electronic devices.
• If there is time before class, please check the Chore Board and help out where you can. Dharma Center is a Volunteer run organization. This can also be done after class.

What is with all the bowing?

• Some people bow when entering and leaving the meditation room. This is not a requirement if you are uncomfortable doing so, but much like a martial arts dojo you will see other students doing it as a way of giving thanks to their teachers and of acknowledging the sacredness of the space.
• After each formal meditation session, we bow. This is not only a great stretch, but also an opportunity to express gratitude for being able to sit in the silence of meditation.

What should I do during class?

• You may bring water into the meditation room.
• Once you have entered the meditation room, start to quiet your mind by refraining from conversation. Some days people are chatty; if people are talking, stop once the teacher enters the room.
• During class, the teacher is relaying information that is coming from a higher meditative state of mind. Listen carefully and don’t interrupt this flow. Stay attentive and absorb what you are hearing. Questions and discussions may happen later if the teacher invites input. Take this cue from the teacher.
• If the teacher opens the floor for discussion, please share your questions and experiences. These often help others who may be going through a similar phase of development.
• While meditating, do not practice heavy breathing or yoga exercises unless instructed, and do not lay down.
• Have fun – the most important ingredient!

What happens after class?

• The teacher will signal the end of class and wait for you to stand up.
• Please put your cushions back in order for the next person.
• You are welcome to look at the Members library for a few minutes, or ask questions about becoming a Dharma Center Member.
• Students and teachers often go out for food after class. We love to make new friends!
• If you have private questions about your spiritual practice, you may ask the teacher if they have time to talk after class. Teachers sometimes need to leave right away, so please be respectful of their time. Also please remember we are Buddhist Teachers, and not therapists or counselors.
• Pay attention to your mind and stay focused on what your want to create in your life. You may not realize how energized you have become from the meditation until later.
• If you enjoyed the experience, please share Dharma Center with others. Take some business cards or flyers to hand out, and/or post on social media and tag @dharmacenter.