Renewing The Dharma Centre Of Canada:

Overarching Themes and Sub-themes

July 9th 2009

INTRODUCTION

This report is the Renewal Committee's attempt to summarize and synthesize the ideas that were expressed by seventeen individuals from the Dharma Centre community. These ideas were voiced while they participated in facilitated, focused conversations. The intent of these focused conversations was to provide an opportunity for members of the Dharma Centre community to express their aspirations, concerns and opinions regarding the future direction of the Dharma Centre of Canada.

The members of the Renewal Committee have made every attempt to honestly and accurately report what was said in these focused conversations. Nevertheless, because of the difficulties inherent in human communication, it is not unlikely that there have been misunderstandings and omissions. We have struggled with the need to consolidate the information in a way that brings out the essential points without diluting the specific ideas or silencing the differences of opinion. The Renewal Committee asks for your tolerance and compassion regarding the limitations of this document.

During the process of reading and synthesizing the notes that were taken during the focused conversations, the Renewal Committee observed that different individuals expressed similar ideas and concerns. These ideas have been clustered into four major themes:

Transformation & Awakening

Community

Teaching & Transmission

Place & Property

Within these broad themes are more specific sub-themes and distinct topics.

Individuals often expressed differences of opinion regarding these thematic elements. These differences have been summarized under the heading - contradictions and challenges. - It may be necessary to resolve some of these contradictions and challenges to nurture the growth and development of the Dharma Centre.

The treasure trove of potential found in this document is the result of DCC friends and members who took the time to join us for the better part of a day and share their insight and understanding of what the DCC means to them, what they see as possible and the ways in which these ideas could best be manifested.

This report has been prepared and broadcast to the community to inspire reflection and further conversations regarding the Dharma Centre's vision, strategic direction, governance processes and operational systems.

BACKGROUND

The Dharma Centre of Canada was founded, in 1970, - to carry on the instruction and practice of meditation, the study of philosophy and religion and the performance of charitable works in Canada. - (Letters Patent of Incorporation, April 24, 1970.) These objectives were - interpreted to mean to carry on spiritual activities that are conducive to spiritual unfoldment, at the same time maintaining a nondenominational-universalist overview, exploring all disciplines while adhering to none. - (General Policy Resolution, Feb 8, 1984.)

Extraordinary efforts have been made over the years to develop plans for the Dharma Centre of Canada that will best meet the interests and needs of its community and will fulfill the DCC's objectives. In recent years, one such effort was a community meeting attended by fifty people, in December 2003, following a puja held to close the observance period of Namgyal Rinpoche's passing.

In 2007, the Board of Directors recognized that the financial stability of the organization was in distress, despite the effort, energy and commitment of many individuals. In November, the full Board convened in a weekend retreat to explore the DCC's purpose, mandate and governance issues. The Board engaged two long time friends of the Centre, Stephen Foster and Brian McLeod, to help craft a renewal process.

In February 2008 an urgent DCC community meeting was called to address an impending financial crisis. The meeting was very well attended, despite a severe blizzard. Several working groups were struck. Pam Hyatt, David Kehler, Kim Sawyer, Shelane Donoghue, and Tracy Sheridan volunteered to form the Renewal working group. After making important contributions to the renewal process, Pam, Kim and Tracy have resigned. Patricia Steckley joined the Renewal group in 2009. (Others are welcome!)

The Renewal group was asked to find ways to engage the DCC members in re-visioning, re-enlivening and restructuring it. The first step was to listen to the voices, ideas, energy, aspirations and concerns of the DCC community. Five small focused conversation groups were organized. The participants engaged in dialogues that were stimulated by five questions (see appendix). The Renewal Committee took notes of what was said (as best we could) and these written notes were then typed up.

To analyze and synthesize the ideas expressed in these focused conversations, the Renewal Committee read the typed notes, summarized each idea into a few words, and wrote these onto post-it notes. Notes on the same topic were clustered into groups; and these were further organized into over-arching themes. This process of distillation was a stimulating voyage of discovery for the Renewal group.

In March 2009 the results of this process were reported to the Board. In June, it was presented in an interactive workshop format at a Toronto community meeting (16 people in attendance, including the committee). Further presentations, workshops and discussions will be held August 1- 2, 2009, just prior to the AGM (August 3rd).

Overarching Themes & Sub - Themes

The Dharma Centre: a Sacred Place, a Community of People, and a Property

1. Dharma Centre Fosters Transformation & Awakening

One theme, expressed in a variety of ways by numerous individuals, focused on the Dharma Centre as a place of refuge for deep retreat work, transformation and awakening.

It is a place for spiritual questing where people are free to work with a teacher and/or do their own practice and teach one's self. Like a mandala, it is a sacred space that can hold all that is possible. It is a place where awakening is happening now. It provides stability with a freedom from conventional structures. One's vulnerability is welcomed. It is a heart centre, where one can grow up and develop maturity.

The Dharma Centre is a focal point of one's life and purpose that facilitates meditation and spiritual development. People want the Dharma Centre to continue to hold this sacred space for themselves and the world. It nurtures psychological, spiritual and psychosocial development. At the Centre, one recognizes patterns. Change can happen at the cellular level. In deep long retreat one sees the results and how these results then impact the world.

2. Dharma Centre is a Community Of People

The second overarching theme focuses on the Dharma Centre as a community of people. Participants said that the centre provides a place to talk and meet people. It is a gathering place, a place of temporary sanctuary of people from across Canada. With a worldwide reputation, it has nurtured a global community of awakening. It is an example for the world with a history that inspires and supports future generations.

There is a feeling of openness at the Centre. People seem open-minded. There is an exchange of ideals in a non-competitive and non-judgmental way. It is the positive qualities of the interactions between individuals that characterize this community.

The Dharma Centre Community is also seen as a sangha that sustains people's spiritual practice and enfoldment. Members have an understanding of the importance of a spiritual life. We help one another manifest this.

For some this community is representative of a collective consciousness; the idea of a group mind. The interdependent nature of the community generates a group consciousness. This seems to be both an experience that some have had and, for others, an aspiration.

Community is an essential aspect of the supportive environment at the Dharma Centre. It is valuable to people. It is - like a family. - Some people want and need more of this.

Challenges / Contradictions:

1) Individualism and diversity are viewed as strengths and as challenges.

2) Need for no socialization and a need for socialization.

3) Difficulty between the new and old ways and the old and new people

4) Need for Community Building. Social and interactive event be encouraged to promote sharing. Suggestions were Building & land development projects, festivals, celebrations, ceremonies, art making

5) Need for group work and individual work

6) Inclusion/Exclusion Some people have felt the Dharma Centre is a private club, a closed circle while others have felt the Centre is open and friendly. Some people have suggested that the Centre needs to be more welcoming and accessible.

7) Need group cohesion that accepts diversity without needing conformity and consensus.

8) There is a need for a positive attitude and a not negative one - a need to resolve past animosities (i.e., suggestion of a fire puja).

3. Teaching & Transmission

A third theme, comprised of four sub-themes, deals with the dharma and the transmission of spiritual teachings.

3 a) Namgyal Rinpoche

Namgyal was a sub-theme discussed under this theme. He was described as a unique and precious teacher with a lot of higher power and energy. He was recognized as a realized being. Namgyal represent all teachings. He was great at adapting teaching from the east for westerners. His teachings were ecumenical. They included scientific, artistic and western orientations and frameworks. He taught from many different schools that included ancient, classic and contemporary methods of meditation and inquiry

The relationship to Namgyal Rinpoche was very significant for people. He was a charismatic leader, who can not be replaced. He was the focal point and main draw to the Dharma Centre. For some, it is their ties to Namygal that motivates people's commitment to the centre. He was seen as a conduit for the teachings.

Challenges/Contradiction:

1) Some see an orderly way to his teachings, others found it haphazard. Both methods seemed to work. Each person did their personal work. People take teaching where they are at.

2) There are some with emotional ties while there are others who do not have any emotional ties. There are some students who never met him.

3) People are concerned about the DCC becoming a shrine to Namgyal Rinpoche. There is a danger of a personality cult and priesthood. People use their association with Namgyal Rinpoche to gain status.

4) There is currently a lack of strong leadership at the centre.

3 b)Lineage

Numerous individuals, but not all, spoke about the importance of a Namgyal Lineage. Some view the lineage as bridge to the past, to Namgyal and his teaching style. Some people spoke about the lineage being the inherited wisdom. It is in the community, courses, teachings, books, teachers, everyone. It is an evolving lineage. It is worldwide, multifaceted with no guide book. Some believe we are moving to the group as the teacher.

For those who placed importance on the idea of a lineage, it was seen as the vehicle which provides continuity for Namgyal Rinpoche's teachings. It is needed to carry on the transmissions which are the delineated path to liberation. The lineage is the path of awakening. It has high personal significance which enriches the lives of many. It offers an orderly way to progress through the realizations. It is unique and individualistic. Namgyal Lineage can be viewed as a historical model that integrates east and west teaching coming from and through westerners. People have a sense of responsibility to pass on the teaching.

Lineage is a resource, thread, recognition of one another. It is what we take out into the world. The Namgyal Lineage doesn't cling to ideas. It uses many different teaching to prevent getting stuck or full of pride. We need to guard against it becoming one thing. It holds many paths with different methods for different people at different times. It is open, flexible and diverse.

Lineage is in all of us. We all need to share our gifts. We are a part of a living story. We need to see the inter-beingness. Namgyal Rinpoche is in all of us. There is no separation. We are a living lineage that is interdependent and cellular. We need to first have a lineage to see there is no lineage, only inter-beingness.

In the future some believe new religions will be born from coupling of new generations. Namgyal lineage can support others kinds of teachers. The Lineage attracts great teachers. We need more Namgyal teachers. We need to see that we are the disciples and holders of the lineage for the future.

Challenges/Contradictions

1) Sustaining the Lineage: It is hard to sustain the lineage with teachers getting old and being far away. Teachers and lineage don't require support from the DCC

2) Who is the Lineage? People wanted clarification on who the lineage is, who decides the lineage, who is a part of it. It has not been delineated or defined. Is it the community, the teachers? How does one recognize realized teachers and advanced practioners? Is it only those beings teaching?

3) Relationship of the Dharma Centre of Canada with the Lineage: Lineage informs the DCC because it is the vehicle for the teaching Can't have the DCC without the Namgyal Lineage. It is the main draw to the DCC. DC and NL are like a wheel and the hub. Most lineage teachers don't have a lot to do with the DCC. Does the DCC or the lineage teachers develop a program of study?

4) Namgyal's Rebirth: Questions around Namgyal Rinpoche being reborn to once again lead. How do we know and understand these statements?

3 c) Teachers

The Namgyal Lineage Teachers, another sub-theme discussed was seen as an important aspect to the Dharma Centre. They give a sense of history/past heritage. There is a need for people to have a one to one relationship with a teacher. It is important to work with a teacher when you are in retreat. They act as guides, mentors, coaches that give access to the teachings. We have been exposed to a wide variety of teachers. Our connection is our shared teachers.

All the teachers are unique yet seem to embody humour, patience, compassion, tolerance and share their direct experiences with life and meditation. There is a pithiness to their teachings. They share Theravaden, western and mystery teaching. They are pillars of aspiration. There is a need for their continued presence at the DCC. Lama couple lineage is unique.

Challenges/Contradictions

1) People spoke about the importance of supporting the teachers to continue the transmission.

2) It is important to find ways to market the teachers.

3) It is hard for people to develop a long lasting relationship with one teacher with a revolving door of teachers at the DCC.

4) There needs to be regular, realized teachers at the centre.

3 d) Teachings

The final sub-theme in this category focused on The Dharma Centre being seen as a needed place and structure that represents the teachings. People liked the eclectic nature and universality of approaches. There was a high level and quality to the teaching and it brought different pieces and truths together in a non religious framework.

People like the diversity to the teachings. They see how the teachings are open to all religions. There is a diversity and plurality of approaches from many paths and traditions that is respectful of everyone and people can find what they need . People highly value this about the Dharma Centre. Significant teachings have included eastern teachings from a western perspective, Tibetan Buddhism, Vajrayanna, meditation instruction, star groups, travel, totality, interdependent origination, art, movement, development of mindfulness, etc.

People need to have access to the dharma with more emphasis on Namgyal Lineage teachers. People spoke about needing an overview, basic knowledge and foundational teachings. Some people spoke about wanting an academy again. Others spoke about having a model of retreat developed since they felt there is too much going on.

Challenges/Contradictions

1) Different understanding of how people are taught compared to what students think or feel they may need to learn or know.

2) There is a need for a structure to the teachings. Other people believe the idea of having no structure is part of our teaching.

3) On the one hand Namgyal made teachings accessible, but on the other hand some people don't experience the teachings as accessible (i.e., Tibetan aspects). People suggested offering a foundational course that teaches the meaning behind the rituals and words. Create a beginner's manual that provides accessibility to the prayers, definitions, protocols, shrine set up, wongkurs, mudras, etc.

4) Programming: There is a tension/contradiction between having a wide variety of courses (the diversity theme) and the predictability and continuity of programming (see the - Teaching - theme).

a) Create a Predictable Identifiable Program that creates a seasonal flow. It may be important to have certain set courses a year to encourage new members

b) Yearly - Fall & Winter Months are geared towards long term solitary & group retreats under the guidance of experienced teachers

Spring & Summer is geared towards short term retreats

c) Monthly - Create Foundational Weekend Courses - Introduction to Meditation - Postures, Introduction to Vajrayanna teaching,

d) Weekly - Weekly meditations at the centre

4. Dharma Centre as a Place/Property

The final over arching theme that is significant for people is the place/property at the Dharma Centre. It is considered valuable, unique and worth preserving. The Dharma Centre is seen as a place of refuge away from the city that provides people with silence, calm and facilitates the ability for deep inquiry without intrusion.

The physical land is a jewel in the lotus that embodies

- History: It has a unique history and monuments embodying this history.

- Nature: A place of beauty, etc.

- Home: A protected, safe place in which one can slow down.

- Sacred Power: The land embodies a psychic energy generated by the spiritual

- work - and meditation that has been done there.

There is unrealized potential which offers a rich opportunity. Anything is possible. We are in a generation phase. There are assets and infrastructure (no mortgage, no property tax & there are existing building).

People also spoke about enjoying activities on the land, such as: giving service, learning new skills, working on the buildings and conserving the land and forest.

Challenges/Contradictions

Operation of the Centre

Ideas placed under this sub-heading include both - complaints - or - felt needs - and suggestions for improvements at both - Macro - and - Micro - levels of the organization.

4 a) - Macro - Level

1) Accessibility: This category refers to the accessibility of the place (i.e., cost and location) and the accessibility to the teaching. Some people spoke about the cost at the centre. It is not affordable to attend. A central contradiction is between

a) the cost of participation (attending courses, staying on property, etc) and

b) the need to increase attendance and participation

2) Increasing attendance and membership: Need to see that there is an interlink between membership and course attendance. Some suggested that the cost of participation be reduced or eliminated to increase attendance. Address ways to market and recruit new members. Suggestion: Have a free all inclusive Introductory retreat for new members (5-10 days in length) Explore avenues to make the centre free year round.

3) Sustainability: The Dharma Centre needs to be a place that people can rely on for the future. This is an expressed need. People want more emphasis on quality of teaching rather than on financial problems. There is a need to distinguish problems around defining the dharma centre's purpose and the financial difficulties

4) Purpose & Function: Clarification is needed regarding whether the DC is a business, a charity, a sangha, a learning centre, or….? The DC should stay true to its roots and rely less on outside groups.

5) Operation of the Centre / Administration: Need for transparent leadership. Who guides the future direction of the centre? Who ensures a strategic plan? How will changes be implemented?

6) Addressing Finances

a) Payment Schedule: Create a different payment schedule that is flexible. Some suggestions: There are dharma points cards based on the amount of service someone gives in a year. There are volume discounts based on donations given.

b) Donations: Need to attract big donars and receive larger donations.

c) Use of Land: How does the property get used? Suggestions: parcel out and sell some of the DC land. Rent the DC for financial aid. Give DC to the Tibetans.

d) Projects of Sustainability: Some people suggested the dharma centre could look at money generating projects that help create a sustainable community. These projects could encourage employment at the centre. This might include canning, making prepared foods, garden, restaurant, books, tapes, creation of a board game centered on teaching and practices.

e) Fundraising Plan: Create a financial plan for new buildings, development of the property that includes grant application and continued fundraising.

4 b) Micro Level

1) Physical infrastructure (buildings): The need for a healthy and accessible physical environment. There are problems with mice and mould that promote allergies and health concerns. Repairs necessary for people to stay at the centre.

2) New Buildings: Buildings be reflective of sustainable energy & environment. It may be important to create a bathhouse and tea room in the hermitage area to help support deep retreats and increased access to modernized services. This may also be a way for those in deep retreat to cook for themselves.

3) Divide the land into distinct areas - A place to do deep, long and short term retreats, both Solitary & Organized Group Retreats. Hermitage and distant cabins be prioritized for long term retreats. Temple to be used as a teachings space. Cabins near main house and temple rooms used for short term retreats when long, deep retreats are taking place. The solarium is then used as a teaching space.

4) Service:

a) Make it easier for members and participants to contribute and give service.

b) Improve the server-meditator model.

c) Flexibility in karma yoga to support meditation practice.

d) Selected Members act as stewards on the property.

e) On-going Karma Yoga Jobs Posted - List of on-going activities be posted at the centre on a monthly basis that people can sign up for and date when they are completed. Ex. maintenance of trails, stacking fire wood, windows.

5) Library:

a) The library is seen as a valuable resource, but it is hard for people to use it because of restrictions on borrowing books and the lack of free reading time during retreats. Possible solutions: Create a lending library system, possibly in partnership through the Kinmount Public Library. Catalogue and lend the books and initiate fines for late returns and for the replacement of books.

b) It is important to preserve the Tibetan texts.

Appendix

The Focus Group Questions

1. What does the Centre mean to you?
2. What are the qualities of the Dharma Centre that make it unique and special?
3. What do you need from the Centre?
4. What is the importance of the Namgyal Lineage to you?
5. What changes would you like to see at the Dharma Centre? Articulate an alternate vision of the Dharma Centre that you would support.

Coding of Post-Its

1. Colour: Beginning with the second question, a different colour was consistently used for each focus group
2. Dots: A dot indicates that another person has made the same comment that appears on the post-it. This is a way of trying to capture the frequency of comments/ideas. (i.e. How often an idea was mentioned).
3. - N - : The letter - N - represents an expressed - need - or wish.

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