Dharma Punx Dedicated Practitioners Group
("The DPP")

View the Curriculum and Schedule for the 2006-2007 DPP

 

(Note: Even though the practice year has started,
you can still join the DPP if you attend the July 9th meeting.)

On June 11, 2006 Dharma Punx NYC will be forming a new Dedicated Practitioners Group, affectionately known as "The DPP" by it current members. The DPP offers members a chance to make a dedicated and steady commitment to their spiritual practice within a structured format; allowing for deeper self-transformation as they work against the stream of inner delusion, and offering practical tools and knowledge that will lay the foundation for a strong personal practice in the future. As well, it is hoped that a sense of community will develop, giving members a place to turn for support.

The past DPP is now drawing to a close, and was a great success. The group not only became a strong support for each other, but also for the Dharma Punx NYC community as a whole. It is hoped that the coming DPP will prove even more beneficial as it will draw together old and new members and make the most of lessons learned in the last year.

Prospective members are asked to make the following commitments in order to join the Dedicated Practitioner's Group:

• To commit to the DPP for a full year; from June 2006 through May 2007. Due to the cumulative nature of the experience (where more advanced material is presented only after covering foundational practices and knowledge) it is asked that members join at the scheduled beginning of the group. If an exception is needed, please speak to Craig Swogger.
• To take the five precepts, and attempt to keep them. Click here for more information on the precepts: http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dhamma/sila/pancasila.html.
• To maintain a daily meditation practice. Prospective members should have an established daily practice of 20-30 minutes, or be willing to work towards one.
• To complete all assigned readings, and to purchase two of the assigned books (other readings will be freely offered). Readings come from the Theravada tradition of the Buddha.
• To attend one three hour meeting on a Sunday afternoon each month. During this meeting there will be time for meditation, discussion of our personal practice, a Dharma talk, and personal interviews with the facilitator.
• To attend one daylong retreat every three months. Free retreats in the area will be suggested from time to time. The DPP may also organize its own retreats.
• Finally, a willingness to participate in the community with a spirit of compassion for others. The DPP will meet outside of its usual time to act as the "steering committee" for the Dharma Punx NYC community as a whole. We will discuss and vote on community business and issues. This will probably happen on a quarterly basis.

There is a suggested donation of $150 to join the DPP, which may be paid all at once, or over three months in $50 increments. This money will go directly to paying the rent at Lila for the DPP meetings. Payments should be made in cash to Craig Swogger or Josh Korda. Dharma Punx is dedicated to the ideal of Dana, and therefore encourages those who cannot offer $150 to speak with Craig Swogger (craigswogger@yahoo.com). It is our intention that no one be turned away because of inability to pay.

Members will also need to purchase two books:

• What the Buddha Taught by Walpola Rahula.
• The Life of the Buddha by Bhikkhu Nanamoli.

What the Buddha Taught should be purchased before the June 11th meeting. Both of these books may be available through the New York Public Library.

If you are interested in joining the DPP or have questions about the commitments or cost please email Craig Swogger (craigswogger@yahoo.com).