Become a Member of Nebraska Zen Center
Our members are important! When you join now, you provide essential support for the Zen practice opportunities you value—zazen, study, retreats, and much more.
At NZC, we nurture a welcoming community that supports integrating Zen practice into the fabric of daily life. Our members make the Center possible, and all are welcome.
Buddhist communities have always relied on the generosity of their supporters. Like most zen centers, NZC is supported entirely by donations. By pledging monthly, you are investing in the continuing operation of NZC, supporting our long-term development, and making on-going programming possible.
Maybe you practice regularly at NZC, or maybe you simply value what NZC offers: a supportive and encouraging environment for people to deeply connect with each other and foster their intentions to be of benefit to the wider world. Making regular monthly membership contributions is a way to express your commitment to those values and to the practice.
How to Join
Becoming a member is easy! Simply commit to make a monthly donation to NZC in the amount you can afford. Although we suggest a basic member pledge between $30-$100, any pledge is welcome—please choose an amount that feels right for you. There is also a special “Lend a Hand” category of $150 or more/month, for those bodhisattvas who want to supplement the donations from members whose circumstances make it hard to give more.
Follow the Join NZC button to select a monthly donation amount, enter your contact information, and pay with PayPal.
If a monetary commitment is not possible for you at this time, providing services to the sangha can be a valuable contribution to the survival of NZC and an alternative way to be a member of NZC. Let us know if you have time, talents, or skills you would like to lend to help NZC thrive. If this alternative appeals to you, please contact heartlandtemple@nebraskazencenter.org.
Membership Benefits
- Voting rights – As a member, you will have the right to participate in the election of the Board of Directors. Although being a pledging member isn’t required to be a part of the sangha, only members can make nominations and cast votes for NZC Board of Directors.
- Opportunities to meet with Practice Mentors – You will have access to a Practice Mentor to help you explore any questions you have about practice, forms, schedule and protocols.
- Discounts on programs – Members receive discounts on tuition and fees for many NZC programs, including study groups and retreats.
- Library privileges – Members may use our library and check out volumes from our extensive collection of Dharma books.
- Member gatherings – You will be invited to an annual appreciation event of NZC members.
- The practice of generosity – Dana is a term used to describe the practice of generosity, a foundational aspect of Buddhism. Through giving, we can find an antidote to greed.
NZC is run by a community dedicated to supporting everyone on the path to awakening. We invite you to contribute to the legacy begun here in Omaha nearly fifty years ago by Dainin Katagiri Roshi. Your support makes all the difference.