Co-creating Interdependence Sangha

"We believe the Dharma is a collective resource that cannot be bought, sold, or commodified."

Our zendo operates outside the traditional business model, anchoring itself instead in a relational economy of mutual care, transparency, and interdependence.

The Spirit of Offering (Dana)

For thousands of years, spiritual communities have been sustained entirely by the practice of Dana—the natural, open-hearted flow of giving and receiving. We do not charge fees for our meditation sits, nor do we treat our retreats as consumer experiences. Everything we offer is given freely as a gift. In turn, our stability relies entirely on the reciprocal generosity of those who practice with us. When you contribute financially, you are not buying a service; you are acting as a caretaker of this sanctuary.

Radical Financial Transparency

Capitalism thrives on keeping financial realities hidden. We believe that an anti-capitalist sangha must practice radical openness. We do not seek profit. We share our operational costs openly so that the financial health of OG Zen is a collective practice we look after together. It takes real-world resources to pay our rent, keep our digital doors open, and support our teachers. We trust our community to help hold those baseline costs.

Economic Equity and Mutual Aid

True community means ensuring that financial barriers never dictate who can sit on the cushion. Through our Sliding Scale framework and our Community Care Fund, we practice active wealth redistribution. We invite those with greater financial ease to offer more, balancing out systemic economic inequities and directly creating Supported Spots and Oryoki Meal Offerings for others.

Whether you contribute through financial offerings, by giving your time and labor to tend to the space, or simply through the vital gift of your presence on the cushion—you are co-creating a collective home. Together, we practice a way of living where everyone is included, everyone is nourished, and no one is turned away.

Tending the Space: Ways to Support Without Money

In a true collective, wealth is measured by more than just financial resources. Tending to our sangha requires diverse forms of energy, care, and attention. If financial offerings are not aligned with your current reality, your labor and presence are fully valued currencies that keep our home alive.

Here are the vital, non-monetary ways you can co-create and sustain Open Gate Zen Collective:

  • The Gift of Presence – Simply showing up to sit on the cushion is an act of deep generosity. Your steady presence strengthens the collective silence and anchors the energy of the room for everyone practicing alongside you.

  • Tenzo Care (Kitchen Service) – Help prepare, serve, or clean up after our communal or Oryoki meals. In Zen, working mindfully in the kitchen is considered an advanced spiritual practice of nourishing the collective body.

  • Zendo Stewardship (Physical Care) – Help us sweep the floors, wash the retreat linens, dust the altars, or tend to our physical space. Keeping the environment clean and harmonious is a direct expression of mindfulness.

  • Digital & Administrative Support – Offer your skills behind the scenes. We always welcome help with website updates, organizing community newsletters, managing digital audio files of talks, or handling outreach logistics.

  • Welcoming & Hospitality – Serve as a greeter or orientation helper for newcomers. Creating a warm, clear, and inclusive container ensures that the gates feel truly open to anyone seeking refuge.