Expanding our Ground of Practice

"When your heart knows the way, run in that direction." - Rumi

Dear Friends,

Dharma centers like Mountain Stream are exceedingly rare; I have never come across anything like this place. It is home to a wide range of lineages, teachers, and programs, all harmonizing into one of the most supportive and beautiful sanghas I have ever known.

I have been in the position of Executive Director for eight months now; it has been one of the most dynamic and profound times of my life. When I first arrived in Grass Valley, I had no intention of taking on such a role, but this is where my heart landed and I am beginning to understand why. 

Most dharma centers support and transmit one lineage, and their mission is defined by it. Mountain Stream has a strong Insight foundation but it is open to the unique needs and inspirations that arise in our community. Since I began in October, our Eco Dharma program has come to life, Tibetan lamas have offered ritual and empowerment, a Queer Sangha has formed, a Metta group has begun and our Dzogchen Circle has become a more integral part of the center. This is an extraordinary amount of growth in a very short period of time.

This tells me two things: first, that we have an incredibly gifted guiding teacher who is somewhat of a revolutionary in his modern, open-minded approach to the dharma; and second, that our community is organically diversifying and expanding, both in person and virtually.

Dharma centers take a substantial amount of resources, effort, vision, and perseverance to maintain. I have done my best to flow with the momentum arising here, but I need your support. Historically, this center has been financially and operationally held by a handful of donors and leaders. If Mountain Stream is going to remain sustainable, we need to broaden that base of support together. 

To do this, and to make our programs accessible to everyone, we need a steady flow of monthly giving, a robust volunteer program, and deeper support from those with the means to offer it. Please give what you can. Generosity is the foundation of every dharma center and is central to the path itself. It allows the dharma to flow through us, creating a cycle of abundance that benefits all. 

If we take care of the dharma, the dharma will take care of us.

Thank you for your support!

Lots of Love,

Lauren

Executive Director