About Dharma Refuge

We are a Buddhist Sangha operating as a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation in the state of New York. We incorporated in 2010 and practice under the spiritual guidance of Dharmata teacher Sue Kochan and our root teacher Anam Thubten Rinpoche of Dharmata Foundation.

  • We practice within a Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
  • We honor the inner wisdom, journey and experience of each person.
  • We offer training in the path of the BuddhaDharma through our Lineage Training program.
  • Our exploration of Buddhist wisdom is informed by a growing body of relevant science and research as well as best practices in secular meditation and compassion-based training.
  • We honor all spiritual traditions grounded in kindness, acceptance and love.

Our vision is a world of Bodhisattvas*
* Those whose path of awakening is through serving others.

Our mission is to be a welcoming center of spiritual refuge for all, where the ancient wisdom of the Buddha comes alive in modern life through teachings, inquiry, practice, and the warmth of community (Sangha).

Our Sanctuary Statement
In 2017 we felt it was important to publish a statement about our commitment to offering Dharma Refuge as a place of spiritual refuge and sanctuary, that is open to everyone, without exception. Read our full sanctuary statement in our blog.

We warmly welcome everyone with a sincere interest in going beyond the limitations that create our shared experiences of sorrow and anxiety. Our path is the path of the Bodhisattva—one of learning to drop the burdens we knowingly and unknowingly carry, the burdens that keep our hearts asleep and our minds bound to a future and a past. As Bodhisattva's in training we aspire to awaken for the benefit of all beings.

Dharma Refuge warmly welcomes you to visit any of our  weekly meditation practices, day-long retreats or special programs of training and study.

Our teachers
Meet our teachers

Our Board of Directors
President – John Stewart
Vice President - Bob Brown
Secretary, Membership Chair – Jane Ellen Bleeg
Treasurer – Sara Flanagan
BOD Director, Spiritual Director/Teacher - Sue Kochan
BOD Director, Volunteer Chair - Ellen Nakhnikian

BOD Advisors
Lineage and Special Event Committee Chair - Elaine Richane

Financial Statements

As a 501c3 all financial contributions to Dharma Refuge are tax deductible. We rely on the generosity of our community to continue to share the ancient teachings and practices of the Buddha in our wild and wooly world! If you're interested in supporting our activities, we invite you to learn more about membership and contribution opportunities.

Our financial management practices and standing are fully transparent. If you have specific financial questions you're welcome to contact our finance team, and our treasurer or assistant treasurer will be in touch with you!

Location

Covenant United Methodist Church
Second Floor (Elevator Accessible)- Dharma Refuge
1124 Culver Road,
Rochester, New York 14609

Phone: 585-420-7650

Directions: We are located at the corner of Culver and Parsells, across from the Golden Fox Restaurant.
Ample parking is available in the parking lot behind the church and on the side streets.
We are within easy reach of Route 104 and Route 490 (Culver Road exits) and Route 590 (Empire Boulevard exit).
“What can we gain by sailing to the moon if we are not able to cross the abyss that separates us from ourselves? This is the most important of all voyages of discovery, and without it, all the rest are not only useless, but disastrous.”
—Thomas Merton
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“Follow then the shining ones, the wise, the awakened, the loving, for they know how to work and forbear.”
—The Buddha