BPF's BASE program is a new departure
for socially engaged Buddhism in the West. I am pleased
to see you creating flexible models of practice and action
that we all can learn from as we try to build a Dhammic
society of wisdom, compassion, and human dignity. I give
BASE my full support.
-Sulak Sivaraksa, Thai Activist
BASE Update:
The BASE program is currently being restructured. We regret this break in the program. If you have further questions, please email Executive Director, earthlyn [at] bpf [dot] org. We appreciate your interest and patience, and will do our best to respond in a timely manner.
For information about potential / upcoming BASE programs click here.
What
is BASE?
BASE
provides six month support communities for the study and practice
of socially engaged Buddhism. Participants work or volunteer
in service or social action, and meet regularly for study,
support, discussion, training, and meditation. Groups have
weekly meetings and monthly retreat days. Read stories
from previous BASE groups.
What
is a BASE theme?
The
theme of a BASE group may be focused on a specific topic (e.g.
prison reform, hospice, homelessness, etc.) or have an open
theme to allow people doing many different kinds of service
or organizing to participate in the same group. All groups
explore the five
BASE components.
Participants
who are currently working in these fields pay a sliding scale
to participate. Some full time volunteers in the past have
been eligible to receive a small monthly living stipend, but
at this time we are unable to offer this support. Please contact
us if you would like to explore other ways of receiving financial
assistance.
BASE
Handbook
For
a copy of the BASE handbook, please click here
(Part
A and Part
B)
Apply
Information
on applying to a BASE program
in the near future.
Questions?
For more information about the structure of BASE and frequently
asked questions (FAQ) please click here.
Any
further questions about BASE or help with downloading the
documents on this site, please email base{at}bpf.org or call
the BASE office at 510-655-6169 ext. 301.
Click
here
to receive further notice of BASE Programs.