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Bellingham
Dharma Hall Space and Use Survey Results The following is the compilation of the responses to the space and use surveys returned thus far. 1a
How long have you been practicing Buddhist meditation? 1b
Which groups? 2a
Are you a member of the BDH? 2b
How long? 3
How do you participate with the groups? 4
How do you use the Dharma Hall/What services do you use? 5
What do you like about the current Bellingham Dharma Hall space? 6
What do you dislike about the current Bellingham
Dharma Hall space? 7a
Would you be able and willing to look
for/negotiate for a new space? 7b
What time would you have for this? 8a
Would you be able/willing to help maintain the new space, ongoing? 8b
What kind of time would you have? 9
More money? What else do
you want us to know? The Hall to have regular public talks with rotating speakers on the different traditions. The Hall to have quarterly open houses with members of all the four groups Will try to support sangha, would need to know rationale for changing space, and some sense of benefits and costs. At
this point I cannot figure out why we need to leave what we have – I
like having my free time available to practice rather than create a bigger more
expensive world to maintain. I’m not interested in seeking out the
“perfect” space. I …like the simple to maintain and minimal
financial burden – our programs are what bring Dharma into my life – not the
fancy esthetics of a more expensive building I think purchasing vs. leasing/renting would be an ongoing liability and a burden – financial and time. I think a cooperative arrangement would be less risky albeit with less flexibility. The current situation works for most of our group’s needs but not all. I am concerned that we not overextend our resources and burden/members/others financially. Take our time to find a place. On the other hand, a larger place could strengthen the groups. I’m very concerned that we don’t get in over our heads - especially financially. On the other hand, it’s exciting to think about the Dharma growing, and we seem to be bursting out of our current space. So within certain limits I’m excited about a move, and willing to help. Keep it simple, rent is okay, member and practitioners will probably increase. I’m frankly not convinced that purchasing is realistic and wouldn’t make a big donation without some sense of realistic, sustained support. The Hall is great. Rent is quite low. I don’t see a lot of financial support from the groups that are more focused on their own functioning – not judging this, just acknowledging reality. I would urge being conservative. Be careful not to overestimate what membership can support and contribute. I would rather have a long-time lease than own. The Hall is great. Rent is quite low. I don’t see a lot financial support from groups that are more focused on their own functioning. Not judging this, just acknowledging a reality How important it is that our location makes it possible for ALL to meditate with us regardless of physical capabilities! Let’s be more accessible to the community. I’m in this for the long haul. We also may have to shift our financial focus to not just members paying for space but asking groups to kick in, one time/regularly for building fund or nice, long-term facility. I’m definitely eager for the Hall to move to a better space. I would definitely want the new location to be easily accessible by bus, probably my most important concern after having a place that was accessible to all (no major stairs). I couldn’t sit for a few weeks because of the stairs and an injury. Everything is perfect just as it is … of course that doesn’t mean that there isn’t room for improvement! I would like to see the groups themselves be more aggressive in recruiting members. This is going to be essential if we get a new space. And I think a policy should be put in place regarding funds groups receive for memberships to their own groups. It might be nice/helpful if each group encouraged and had clear ways of helping individuals be contributing members I like the variety of programs right now and the open-ness of all the groups to new members and fellow practitioners. The all tradition potluck will be a nice way to mingle with the other groups. The only suggestion I have for the community may be to organize community service functions for the whole group (i.e. paint a shelter, serve a soup kitchen …) I would like to see more “all Dharma Hall events (all four groups). I would like to see the four groups stay together if possible – i.e. in a space all can share. I would like to see more interchange among the groups sitting at the Dharma Hall I hate the politics and the constant push for money that owning a building (involves) … I’ve been a part of (groups) that tried and it got ridiculous …The space should be in a shape that would not require immediate renovation. And we should have a long and stable relation to the landlord OR possibly own it with a mortgage less than $1,000/month. I like the proximity of Ziji ling to the Hall a lot. This makes me picky. Stay here! Future vision includes: -local chapter of Buddhist Peace Fellowship, -Buddhist inspired preschool, programs sponsored by the Hall, not a particular group, -expanded family Dharma program, classes, youth group, etc. It would be good to cultivate further aspects for the community, such as music, flower-arranging, an excellent space for the library. It’s nice to have multiple rooms for teaching and Shambhala practice. Real estate does not lose value! I appreciate very much the Hall and the opportunity to sit with a group. I enjoy the high quality of the other sitters. The Board is doing a great job – thanks! I’m grateful to you for doing this work for us! I love you guys! Xoxoxo I love our Sangha! The continuing efforts by board members is appreciated! Also, I feel it is valuable to see 4 different Buddhist groups share a practice space so harmoniously. YOU ROCK! Thank you for your efforts! I’m so happy to have the groups and space. 11
Describe your idea of the perfect space
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