Opening Buddhist Traditions to the Next Generation
Our Mission
Dharma Gates is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to opening pathways into formal meditation practice for young adults 18-35. We connect young practitioners to Buddhist teachers and practice centers from a variety of Buddhist lineages, working to eliminate conceptual, logistical, and financial barriers to practice. We foster connections through which young practitioners can cultivate compassion, resilience, and clarity to meet the unique challenges of our times.
We offer young adult retreats, single day events, and online courses— all by donation, providing accessible opportunities for young practitioners to discover the power of practice alongside their peers.
Whether someone is coming to us for their first meditation retreat or they’re looking to deepen their ongoing practice, Dharma Gates is here to help support and sustain them on their path, and to nurture a growing community of young adult practitioners along the way.
In Their Own Words: Participant Reflections
“Dharma Gates is, without a doubt, changing lives across this country — and I am one of them. When I arrived at the retreat, which was my first ever weeklong silent retreat, I was in a state of complete burnout: emotionally drained, spiritually disconnected, and relentlessly self-critical. By the end of the retreat, the teachings had found a lasting home in my heart. The constant irritation with external distractions softened, and for the first time in months, I slept deeply and restfully. Meditation became something I eagerly anticipated each day. Through the service of Dharma Gates, I have received real, embodied transmissions of Peace, Compassion, and Devotion.”
- Lumin, Dharma Gates Retreat Participant
“It was beautiful to practice with people my age - a rare thing it is! I can tell how much care is put into putting this on, which of course includes effort, and it's inspiring -- the Dharma Gates mission and efforts. THANK YOU.”
- Grace, Dharma Gates Retreat Participant
“Dharma Gates is a rare and wonderful gift to the world, and it's teachers are genuine, kind, caring, and committed to the students. That the organization operates by dana is a tribute to their integrity and a testimony to their commitment to making a positive difference in the world. “
- Tony, Dharma Gates Retreat Participant
“I feel safety is much more possible in this world. It was such a relief, scary, overwhelming, soothing, the safety line I've been longing for. I feel like I've been hearing bits of a song wondering through different rooms of a house all my life but I didn't know the song was Dharma and I started to hear the song finally now. I am so grateful!“
- Em, Dharma Gates Retreat Participant
Video Testimonials
Monasteries & Centers We’ve Partnered With
Zen Mountain Monastery
Natural Dharma Fellowship
Drikung Dharmakirti / Urban Dharma
Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
Great Vow Zen Monastery
Boulder Zen Center
Your Donation Makes a Difference
Padma Samye Ling
Tallahassee Chan Center
Woljeongsa Temple
At Dharma Gates, 80% of our funding goes directly into our programs. Last year, we were able to organize 13 multi-day meditation retreats, creating the opportunity for 283 young adult participants to join us for deep immersive Buddhist practice. We’d love your help to keep the momentum going.
