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THE DHARMA BUMS: Thoughts

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dharma bum

January 11, 2012

In regards to the new Step Study at DBT - "I have been looking forward to this Buddhist step study for several weeks and the first meeting on Sunday completely surpassed all my expectations. I was blown away. I too was moved to tears: when he pointed out the writing on the wall over the altar and shared his experience of finding a home at Dharma Bums... You have arrived. You are home. This resonated deeply with my own expeience at DBT.

I remain deeply moved and inspired. I had expected that this step study would allow me to work through the 12 steps with a little bit of Buddhist philosophy "on the side." But after attending the first meeting (and reading through the website) I now realize that this step study will give me a structure and an opportunity to study and practice Buddhist principles in a deeper way than I ever have in the past. I intend to make the most of this opportunity.

My heart is filled with gratitude,

Dharma Bum

January 2, 2012

In regards to New Year's at DBT - "Last night was magical. We popped the skylight at 11:40 and started the meditation by 11:45. The contrast of the inner peace and external chaos was an incredible experience. After the closing chime tones no one moved for ten minutes or more, the peace in the Zendo was so profound. I will never forget it. Deepest appreciation for all the Dharma Bums have shared on your Bodhisattva paths with so many people."

S.K.

December 6, 2011

So much suffering in this world. The Dharma Bums are definitely making a huge impact on people. I know countless people who have been positively effected by the work you all do. In fact, last night I picked up a young guy at a rehab facility and spent a few hours talking to him and walking him through the 4 Noble Truths and the 8 Fold path. Your gift was passed to me and I pass it to others. Your effect to reduce suffering in the world is immeasurable.

Keep doing what you do!

C.V.

December 3, 2011

There is no other life I would rather live than the life I am living in the present moment

Thank you to The Dharma Bums!

B.R.

December 3, 2011

In response to supporting The Dharma Bums:

no givers no receivers no gift…
just like water, just like breath

it’s a beautiful thing

Practitioner

December 3, 2011

In Response to Supporting The Dharma Bums ~

It is a process of focusing on what is important in life and following
intention with committed action.

How many lives have been touched by experiences at the Dharma Bum Temple?

How many meals have been gratefully given and received from DBT practitioners?

How many lives have been touched directly and indirectly by the compassion and wisdom that has flowered from seeds planted during dharma talks, book studies
and meditations at the Dharma Bum Temple?

What other things in our lives add up to $100 per month (the amount I decide to donate each month)? The difference between basic and digital cable, a daily Starbucks? Do those companies need our $100 a month more than the hundreds of people who receive a warm meal on a winter’s evening?

What is the value of practicing Buddhism with a Sangha versus reading another book about
Buddhism in isolation in our homes? $3.50 a day.

Thanks to The Dharma Bums!

chris

February 23, 2011

keep it between the ditches, because the road is life.

BBC!

November 21, 2010

Dharma Bum Revolution - july 25, 2007

"See the whole thing is a world full of rucksack wanderers, Dharma Bums
refusing to subscribe to the general demand that they consume production and therefore have to work for the privilege of consuming, all that crap they didn't really want anyway such as refrigerators, TV sets, cars, and
general junk you finally always see a week later in the garbage anyway, all of them imprisoned in a system of work, produce, consume, work, produce, consume, I see a vision of a great rucksack revolution thousands or even millions of young Americans wandering around with rucksacks, going up to mountains to pray, making children laugh and old men glad, making young girls happy and old girls happier, all of 'em Zen Lunatics who go about
writing poems that happen to appear in their heads for no reason and also by being kind and also by strange unexpected acts keep giving visions of eternal freedom to everybody and to all living creatures."

--Jack Kerouac

dharma bum walter

November 21, 2010

thank you!!! - december 16, 2007

I want to thank everyone for your support and beautiful energy that you contributed to the DBC throughout 2007! It has been an amazing year for a place that opened with no sign, no website, no phone number, and no advertising. We believed that if we opened the doors and created the space for meditation, people would come and sit, which is exactly what happened!

We thank all the volunteers, sponsors, teachers, and Dharma Bums for making the DBC such an ideal place for the community to learn and practice meditation.

It is at this time we ask that each of you helps us with a donation to continue to support the work of the DBC. Any amount is greatly appreciated, as there is no amount too small.

We wish you all a happy holiday season and healthy New Year!

Peace,
The Dharma Bums
2007

Mr. San Diego

November 21, 2010

the practice - september 23, 2008

Dedicated to the Dharma Bums - who have always had one ambition. To Practice

Milarepa:

If you try to get a patron
Who is rich, you will meet a foe.
He who likes to be surrounded
By crowds, will soon be disappointed.
He who hoards much wealth and money,
Is soon filled with vicious thoughts.
Meditate, my son Rechungpa,
And put your mind into the Dharma.

Realization will be won
At last by he who practices;
He who cannot practice
But only talks and brags,
Is always telling lies.

Monica

November 17, 2010

Do you have a chapter in Orange County?

Dharma Bum Ken

November 15, 2010

A few months back I was volunteering for the Dharma Bums Temple, handing out food to the homeless. Along the way I met two women. They were camped out on a sidewalk, sitting on cardboard drinking vodka straight out of the bottle. The area had the pungent smell of urine and the two women had clearly not showered in quite some time.

"Would you like a salad?" I asked.

"Honey, I don't need a salad. What I need is a prayer" she told me.

She told me her story: The night before her friend got drunk and punched a guy, knocking him out. As a result, she told me, retribution would be coming. They needed to go back to the group of men and get what's coming to them, before the men came to them.

"Can't you talk about it or apologize?" I naively asked.

"This is the street. It's eye for an eye out here" she told me.

These two women were filled with fear, knowing that they were soon to fight a group of men.

"We are going into battle," she told me, "And right now what I need is a prayer."

I was with two other Dharma Bum volunteers. We rested our stack of salads on the curb and knelt down with the two women. The women put down the bottle of vodka long enough to take my hand in hers, and five of us knelt on the cold, hard concrete and prayed together. We prayed for peace and their safety in battle. We prayed for an end to suffering.

This is why I continue to volunteer with the Dharma Bums food redistribution program.

I hope you will join me.

We meet at the Dharma Bums Temple every Thursday at 5pm. We gather food that would otherwise go to waste and repackage it to hand out to people who need it.

Please join us. We need your support.

USD Student

October 27, 2010

Hi, I am a student at the University of San Diego. For my class on Buddhist Faith and Practice i must visit two Buddhist Temples. I believe the Dharma Bums Temple of San Diego is a perfect place for me to gain information on American Buddhist teachings and meditation. I am planning on attending this Sunday's meeting.

Loh hin ding

September 26, 2010

Hi,great site in Buddhism you have.I would like to know the way path of transformation for a person in this samsara world.....or rathere the method that you guys teach ? Thanks !

Jen

September 12, 2010

every time I visit your page your heart sutra makes me break down into tears, its so beautiful. I would like to know what it is saying, please. Thanks.

Ray Santos

June 20, 2010

Jeff,

Thank you for this evening's Intro to Buddhism session. I left feeling a heightened sense of awareness that I don't remember ever feeling before. I'm looking forward to learning more about Buddhism through the Dharma Bums.

Best Regards,
--Ray

Amanda

June 12, 2010

I just finished reading The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac and am very interested in your temple , the only problem is that I live in Texas, a large distance from your temple. I was wondering if you know of a temple closer to me?

Steve Epstein

May 11, 2010

Dear Friends,

Please come visit us in Chiang Mai Thailand. We have a cozy sangha here.

You are living examples of Right Livelihood.

Metta,

Steve

Robin

May 8, 2010

Jeff: I met you at "Buddha For You" today. I took a look at the Dharma Bum website on the flyer you gave me. Thanks much for that. As an unaffiliated Buddhist, I've
been lookng for ways to connect to people in a Buddhist context so I appreciate this opportunity. Take Care, Robin

Jeanne Peterson

April 2, 2010

My book, Falling to Heaven, a novel of Tibet, was just released by St. Martin's Press. I would like to make your community aware of the book, as it illuminates the struggle of Tibetans to peacefully resist the loss of their country and their culture, all from a Tibetan Buddhist perspective. I would be delighted to do a reading event if your community would be interested. Thanks, drjpmg@msn.com

Molly

January 24, 2010

Greetings. Alex. Thank you so much for this! I went to an 8:00 mtg. this a.m. in my 'hood (not my normal custom and practice), and announced the 7:00 Thurs. meditation--don't be surprised if 15 people show up from Twiggs (most of them gay, not that that matters). I have a 5:30 app't. Thurs. that I can't try to reschedule until tomorrow, and strongly hope I can be there. Thank you again for everything.

shrey

November 23, 2009

The music is lovely. Can you tell me what it is ?

richard Wiebe

October 12, 2009

greetings to you all at the san diego dharma bums temple
best wishes in your journey along your paths
when in arkansas visit with your friends at the ecumenical buddhist society of little rock
www.ebslr.org
thank you for keeping the dharma strong

Erik

October 11, 2009

May I ask - where did you buy the emaciated buddha statue?

Anoki

October 1, 2009

In such an illusionary world that can be so exclusionary, I am happy to find a place that is so willingly inclusionary... like the flip-side of a flip-flop, the sangha here help you fully know the ground, instead of trying to protect you from the dust.

jen

September 27, 2009

ii really love what you guys are doing, but i signed up thinking that there was a branch down here in texas somewhere and there isn't. i would rather not recieve your weekly emails as they only serve to tease!! how can i unsubscribe? thanks =)

Frank Tedesco

September 19, 2009

Dear Friends of Tibet,

We hope you are moved by Highway To Lhasa on You Tube:

http://www.youtube.com/highwaytolhasa

It is my fervent hope that the public will awaken to the ongoing human tragedy in Tibet as a matter of "justice and morality," which is how it was described by H H Dalai Lama in Boston recently. Toward that end, please consider sharing Highway To Lhasa with friends and supporters.

Thank you.

Best regards,

Frank Tedesco
Gloucester, MA
www.highwaytolhasa.com
http://www.youtube.com/highwaytolhasa

Walter

August 25, 2009








Jean Taubert-Natta

July 8, 2009

"Depe zhenla penche' semdi sang..." Helping others with devotion, this kind of mind is noble.

"Sang disem che' penla zhenpe' de." Others are devoted to the one who has this kind of noble mind. Tsongkhapa 1357-1419

Lindsay Pyle

June 22, 2009

I live in San Francisco now, and very much miss the Dharma Bum center in my life. While there are many meditation centers in town, a few that I frequent... there is not a single one with the heart and vision of the Dharma Bum center. I look forward to a time when I live in San Diego again, so that I can be at home. For now, you are in my heart and meditations, and I'd like to thank you for the gifts you have shared with me.

Walter

June 15, 2009

Vision Magazine Article

http://www.visionmagazine.com/archives/0906/Regional_Meditation.html

loh

June 8, 2009

Hi Guys,jst want to know which practice is The Dharma Bums into.There are many practices out there and since I, being new here,would be of great interedt.
Thanks!

lohhinding

May 13, 2009

Hi Folks,wondered if you could tell me what is the core of Buddhist teachings !

Robert

May 7, 2009

I practice the Buddha Path of Khenpo Choga Rinpoche daily and am very happy you have included it in your meditation offerings. It is a very beneficial conceptual meditation which complements sitting meditation and which habituates the mind toward positive thinking.

I live in the Laguna Mountains but have long admired your creative outreach and fresh approach to offering the Dharma. Teaching young people the nature of mind and the power of thinking gives them the capacity to remove the causes of their own suffering. Please remain independent and creative.

G

May 7, 2009

Hi, I read Kerouac's book 20 odd years ago and it intrigued me. I'm a Christian so can't follow your belief system now but understand (I think) your journey and appreciation and gratitutde for the moment - do any of you go on pilgrimage ?? Cheers G

PS. Have any of you people met any Christians that are following a similar path ?

Prajna Bhadra

March 29, 2009

Your Center is a wonderful offering for Dharma practice.

Craig

March 18, 2009

Hi, folks. Below's what I sent the SF d-punx group (where I once was the speaker-monk for their meeting), who agreed to forward to their list. I hope you can circulate this widely, too. Peace, Craig
>Hello. please sign this petition to support Buddhist translation work, and please forward to others. An translators' conference featuring 50 seniormost translators, is taking place now in India, and the convener, Khyentse Rinpoche, has set a goal of 10,000 petition signatures to show the importance of Buddhist translation. The
>Translating the Words of the Buddha Conference is exploring the future of Dharma translation.It is difficult to
>imagine such a gathering ever having happened before, of English translators
>all convening in one place, notably India
>, this way, with Tibetan as well as Chinese and Theravada representation.
>
>
>Sign The Petition: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/dharmatranslation/index.html
>
>more details at khyentsefoundation.org.
>Thank you, Craig

noself

January 6, 2009

The body is not the real identity of a person. It is merely a guesthouse where our mind is residing for a while.

Karen Pachtman

December 31, 2008

So looking forward to seeing you all in the New Year:) I have missed your wonderful presence!

Chris Hoff

December 12, 2008

Any Orange County Dharma Bums I can get connected with??

Sid

October 2, 2008

love the new meditation schedule - http://meditation.meetup.com/740/calendar/

Eddie

September 23, 2008

Dedicated to the Dharma Bums - who have always had one ambition. To Practice

Milarepa:

If you try to get a patron
Who is rich, you will meet a foe.
He who likes to be surrounded
By crowds, will soon be disappointed.
He who hoards much wealth and money,
Is soon filled with vicious thoughts.
Meditate, my son Rechungpa,
And put your mind into the Dharma.

Realization will be won
At last by he who practices;
He who cannot practice
But only talks and brags,
Is always telling lies.

Chance Billmeyer

September 22, 2008

It was wonderful meeting you all at the Walk for Peace. Thank you for the circle of the deep presence abiding and for the wonderful stories. Continued peace and blessing from a Dharma brother.

Miguel Angel Garnica Rivera

September 8, 2008

Sorry, I just have a questión, for Laura Arzave.
¿Is your Mom Isabel Arzave?
I hope you can help with this.
Thank you.

Beatrice

September 3, 2008

Really appreciated Jeff coming to City college yesterday. Great class, I have many more questions.

Bobbo

May 9, 2008

In recovery for over 19 yrs and have been looking for a meditation group with recovering brothers and sisters. I knew nothing about "Dharma Bums/Punks" until Noah's book fell off of the book store shelf into my hands. I look foreward to meeting you guys.
Namasta-Bobbo

Stephen T. Jones

May 7, 2008

Good day...I am looking to come together with people from all walks of life to make a difference in the world. Peace & Abundance, Steve Jones

Craig Bledsoe

May 1, 2008

I am 1 1/2 years in recovery and looking to bring meditation to others in recovery who might desire it. Please call me if you have the time. I'd love to connect with you folks ASAP. I love you, too. Really! Sincerely, Craig Bledsoe

Dharmachari Bahiya

March 29, 2008

Best wishes from your British namesakes, what an inspiration you are! We will watch your progress with great interest. Our activities are insignificant compared to yours but you can learn a little about us by visiting our blog at http://dharmabumschapter.blogspot.com
Best wishes, The Dharma Bums (UK)

JD Mumma

March 11, 2008

Congratulations Jeff! Way to center and simultanioulsy grow! Donna P. let me know you are Up to. Much success and expansion in you life in-riching project(s). Namaste

Stevon Love

March 9, 2008

Thank you for contacting me and letting me know about Dharma Bums Center - I had no idea that you guys were there. Hope to see you all soon

Billy

March 3, 2008

Thanks for teaching meditation to our high school! My parents said they will be members of the Red Lotus Society. Meditation made me feel so peaceful. Billy

Lena Johnson

February 25, 2008

Hi Jeff and rest of Dharma Bums. Congrats on all the hard work you guys are doing at your new space at Ideal Hotel. It's really shaping up beautifully!

Dave

February 20, 2008

Article on modern day Buddhism:
http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2008/02/20/dharma_in_dive_bars/

Concerned Dharma Bum

February 17, 2008

I love the new site and the blue color. You have such a good eye Jeff! Don't change a thing.

michael

January 27, 2008

Just perused your website. What a fabulous project you've endeavored and completed! I wish you much joy and normality on your path.

steve bickel

January 5, 2008

nice work

steven

January 3, 2008

i have yet to attend any event or class at the DBC, but i always look forward to speaking to you guys when you come by It's A Grind to pick up the food donations...have a great year guys!

Stace

December 30, 2007

Much love to everyone associated with this wonderful place, especially Walter who curled up and kept my lap warm during most of meditation the other night

Jack French

December 21, 2007

Thank You

Adin

December 1, 2007

Jeff,
Wonderful to see your vision has become reality. It's been a while since Taiwan, eh? Hope to see you one day soon - possibly in spring.

marion and sadashiva

November 29, 2007

hola DBC from indiana!!

Hawk Nash II

November 24, 2007

group dec. 31, 07 .Please e-mail me w/ instructions . Thank You Hawk phone #941.268.6574My 16 y.o. son Alex Nash turned me on to you guys, he lives in Dallas, Tx. I just moved to Pacific Beach, ca. from Florida. I would really Like to attend Noahs

Jeff

November 16, 2007

MIHO - please email me at peace@thedharmabums.org and let me know when you will be arriving...i look forward to meeting you...or call me at 858.922.8811...or come to dbc, we are there always...namaste! jeff

miho suzuki

November 15, 2007

dear sir,
i'm now staying in sedona and had a chance to join some practices at KPC of sedona. i'm going to come back to san-diego this weekend and stay there until the end of this year. i'm looking for somewhere i can practice or do any volanteer activities there while my stay in us. i hope to get a contact with you and take a paticipation in your activitiew if possible.

regards,
miho suzuki

Terrie Best

November 6, 2007

Peace!

Laura Arzave

October 15, 2007

The energy in the center is peaceful. Thanks for sharing space with the world.

John Diaz

October 8, 2007

Soooooo Happy Happy for this site! Namaste'

Michael Leyva

September 5, 2007

Check out our music we are
The DharmaBums.
Get in touch with us if you like it.
www.yahoo.com/thedarmabums

atia luz de plachett

August 10, 2007

Awesome!!!
A friend from Brazil sent this link for me and i couldn't believe when i saw the San Diego address.
Hope i can be there as soon as can. I live in Rancho Penasquitos.
Thank you for be here.
Great job.

Kathleen O'Farrell

August 10, 2007

Yeah I hope to see some time this week, I'm in Oceanside so I'm taking trips :D

Don Caid

July 15, 2007

This is just what I've been looking for.. Thanks..

wally

July 12, 2007

good site? no very good site? no Excellent site? YES

jeff

June 14, 2007

i have a ton and as soon as i find the cord to download from my camera, they are all yours buddy! jz

billy

June 13, 2007

jeff! whats up with those photos you took when noah was here last?
lets see em.

DBC

June 7, 2007

the TROLLEY is an EXCELLENT option, especially if there is a padres game...trolley is also cheaper than paying for parking and very easy to ride!!!

billy

June 6, 2007

PARKING? im partial to riding the shame train (trolley). get off at the convention center stop. DBC is a block and half away.

DBC

June 5, 2007

parking - come early is best, stay on market and go towards front/state/union street is next best and walk a few blocks...always welcome to come as early as you wish...7p class, come at 5.30 or 6 and read/have some tea is great! peace...dbc

Kent D. Moser

June 5, 2007

Do you have any parking area ,if not where do you recommend.

JP

June 3, 2007

wow! what a beautiful website. truly highlights, emphasizes, and says just-right what a magical place has been created at DBC in SD. ... wonder when i'll get to see it...

Davina

June 2, 2007

The new site is beautiful-I love the photos and the schedule is very comprehensive. I look forward to seeing you again soon!

June 2, 2007

Cool!

billy

May 31, 2007

the new site looks fucking great!

charlie & ninh

May 31, 2007

...more than magic...this is real...
...nice

Brad Ruland

May 29, 2007

....this is the place....

derek

May 28, 2007

let it be bright, always

- d

Alex

May 27, 2007

Sweet! Great job

Herby

May 27, 2007

Love the new look, will see you soon.

Shanti, Herby

Dale

May 26, 2007

Nice!

fo xin

May 25, 2007

the wheels on the bus go round and round...