Start Your Own Chapter
Interested in starting a DGIYA chapter in your school or community? This page is dedicated to providing guidance, resources, and information to support anyone interested in creating a space to share Dharma Gyan Youth with others. To be successful in sharing dharma with others, its important that we have resources and guidance that can support us in developing our community and cultivating authentic dharma practice.
Intention and Purpose
To begin, it is important that we recall the intention and purpose of Dharma Gyan Youthfor us to be successful in authentically sharing the dharma with others. Here are some key aspects of Dharma Gyan Youth.
Background -Dharma Gyan International Youth Association was developed by Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche in effort to create an inclusive community where young people can come together and explore the ancient wisdom of the Buddha’s teachings and learn how they can guide us to find genuine happiness, pursue meaningful endeavors, and cultivate general wellbeing.
Creating Community - At its heart, Dharma Gyan Youth chapters are meant to be supportive spaces that engage in activities focused on cultivating connections amongst youth interested in dharma. Whether its sharing a dharma discussion or hiking in the woods, Dharma Gyan Youth is for finding other youth to explore the dharma with and support each other.
Learning and Practicing Together - Through watching teachings, meditating, and supporting others in their practice, we deepen our understanding of the dharma, gain experience and our minds begin transforming, becoming kinder and wiser.
Honoring Our Lineage - Through engaging with Dharma Gyan Youth and Chökyi Nyima Rinpoche we connect with an authentic lineage whose teachings, tradition and meditative practices are incredible potent and special. Therefore it is important that respect the instructions and practices we engage with, to preserve their X when sharing them with others.
Developing Your Own Constitution - Finally, developing a constitution for your Dharma Gyan Youth chapter can provide more foundation and guidance for your group based on factors such as participation and location. Though this is not required, it can be helpful and many universities require constitutions for starting student groups. An example constitution can be found in the resources section!
Group Meetings
Once you have developed some base guidelines we can have our first meeting.
What to bring and setting the space - Wherever a group chooses to meet—a classroom, bedroom, chapel, etc.—should be a place where others can relax but also be present. This means having comfortable seating and ideally hosting meetings in quiet and safe locations. Displaying representations of awakened body, speech, and mind is another key aspect that supports our practice, even a simple photo of the Buddha is great. Beyond this, bringing offering such as water bowls, flowers and incense, and also having refreshments to share with others adds to the experience for everyone! - photos
Structuring Meetings - Meetings can incorporate many different activities, here are some key aspects for guidance.
1) Begin meetings with introductions and a check in question -
2) Group meditation - could be awareness of breath or Tonglen for example
3) Watch a teaching -
4) Dharma discussion
5) Dedication and Aspirations
6) Feedback & Mingle
Example Activities -
Resounding Sutras - Pick a sutra and read it together as a group either in unison or taking turns reading each section
Group Accumulation - Set a group accumulation goal over a course of time, it could be reciting a mantra, the refuge prayer or the four immeasurables for example
Service work - Find local organizations in the community and get involved with volunteering
Outdoor/nature practice - Go to a nice space outside for some group meditation!
Facilitating Meetings
How to facilitate a meeting?
Feedback
Resources
Resources
Digital Resources - recommended sutras
Getting Physical Resources -