Exploring the Future of the Dharma in America:
Honoring Tradition, Meeting the Moment
Join us for this special intergenerational event Saturday, May 30th, from 10am-4pm, Tibet House, New York City
About This Event:
In a time when many Buddhist communities are facing an imminent generational transition, skillfully passing the torch to the next generation is of utmost importance for the preservation and continuity of all that's been cultivated. And in a time of political unrest and global ecological crisis, creating a culture that is deeply resourced in compassion, clarity, and resilience may be among the most important work there is.
How can we resource young people to face a challenging future by connecting them to Sanghas — which ultimately also rely on their presence for continuity? How can we bridge the depths of Buddhist practice into the cultural vernacular of a new generation without compromising the core of the teachings?
These questions are the work of Dharma Gates. On May 30th, we are thrilled to host a day-long gathering at Tibet House New York to explore them together.
This day brings together Buddhist teachers, young adult practitioners, Dharma Gates staff and alumni, and all practitioners and stakeholders invested in this conversation — to create a shared field of practice, dialogue, and community.
Schedule for the Day
10:00 - 10:15am Arrival, Welcome, and Tea
10:15 - 10:30am Vision of Dharma Gates
10:30 - 11:00am Meditation Practice
11:00am - 12:00pm Moderated Panel Discussion
The Future of Dharma in America
with Panelists Megan Mook and Koshin Paley Ellison
Moderated by Dharma Gates Executive Director, Aaron Stryker12:00-12:15pm Opportunities to Support Dharma Gates
12:15-1:45pm Lunch (provided for participants)
2:00 - 3:30pm Break Out Groups (choose your own adventure!)
Relational Practice with Miles Bukiet
Tea Ceremony with Lyndsey Harrington
Intergenerational Conversation hosted by Dharma Gates
3:45 - 4:00pm Closing Contemplation
Who This Event Is For
For Dharma Gates alumni and community members: This is an opportunity to reconnect with friends from past retreats, deepen your connection to the Dharma Gates community, and meet the teachers and supporters whose generosity makes this work possible.
For teachers, practitioners, and those curious about the future of Buddhism in America: This is an opportunity to meet the young practitioners who have benefitted from Dharma Gates programs, engage with the questions driving our work, and explore how you might support this mission.
We encourage you to join for the full day if you're able, while understanding if you prefer to drop in for a specific part.
Voices from the Community
“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, DG Participant, Age 34
“Incredible. I feel a great amount of confidence was built. All the retreat managers were highly supportive. This was my first retreat and it was amazing.”
- Chris, DG Participant, Age 32
“The most notable aspect, aside from experiences in my personal practice, was the community. It is enriching and invigorating to have an age & culturally relevant community to practice with. I didn't know how important this was to me until now. I had sort of given up on merging social, friend, and everyday community with spiritual community. This is where I want to be.”
- Spencer, DG Participant, Age 26
“I felt deeply inspired by the teachings and encouragement of this retreat. My practice and trust in my capacity to develop as a spiritual practitioner deepened so much. The care and love that Jogen (the teacher), the cooks and retreat managers poured into the container were so powerful and palpable. I feel deeply grateful.”
- Rebecca, DG Participant, Age 27