Member Handbook

Elephant Study Group

A Lay Buddhist Organization

Mission

Hold meditations

Study Buddhism

Community outreach

You don't need to be a self-labeled "Buddhist" to attend, there are no dues, no need to follow a particular lineage. The founder himself promoted his ideas on a trial basis. Try it, if it works for you, great it means the ideas let you achieve greater happiness in life today, if not, not much has been lost.

What do we do

Meetup Discussion and New Member Meetings: Various locations, 1^st & 2^nd Tuesdays

Specifically aimed at new members, come and kick the tires, find out what a lay Buddhist can do to further their goals as a member of an organization. You don't have to know anything about Buddhism or do anything for preparation to drop in on an orientation meeting.

The meeting will start with a short definition of Buddhism if there are any attendees who are 100% new to Buddhism, followed by a short presentation of what the Elephant Study Group can do for you and what you can do in the Elephant Study Group.

This monthly meeting is organized through Meetup.com and will be somewhat like other meetups: free flowing open discussion. An article on the web will be announced as a discussion topic, but if you can still come and talk about what ever is on your mind. Meetup meetings will start with a new-member orientation.

Meditation

Easy to attend, easy to organize, and an important way you can volunteer because the organization does not have a particular location for meditation, so anyone who has a quiet house or community room can volunteer to act as host. To find out when and where watch the announcements mailing list.

Dharma Study

A text will be chosen and we'll study it. To attend, attend orientation, sign up for the mailing. To find out when and where watch the announcements mailing list.

Other Events

Eating out at vegetarian restaurants, community service (like picking up trash), or other events as the ambition of the members dictate.

To attend any event, go to an orientation meeting and put an email address on the sign up sheet. Meditation events can either be open to the public or open to members depending on the host's preferences, RSVP's required if held at a private home.

How to join

Join group by getting on the mailing list

Attend meditation and/or Dharma study events

Volunteer to host a meditation event or Dharma study event

Membership Benefits

The goal of the practice of Buddhism is nothing less than happiness, for oneself and all living things.

Membership Requirements

Volunteer to host or lead a meditation or Dharma study event. Leadership rotates among membership.

Attend 50% of events.

For Dharma study, membership requirement is to attend 80% of events.

Why Named So

Named after the five blind men who where investigating an elephant who was either like a rope, paper, a tree trunk depending on which part the blind man got a hold of.