 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Who We Are |
| |
| DharmaWheels Foundation, Inc. |
|
| DharmaWheels Foundation, Inc., formed in 2003 and a non-profit, is the official organization of the Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage.
|
|
| History of the BBP |
|
| The first Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage (BBP) took place in September 2002 -- and was perhaps the first-ever such event in the Buddhist world! |
|
| Organized by enthusiastic cyclist and Buddhist practitioner Dennis Crean, the BBP started out as a simple desire to ride his bike with a few friends from the San Francisco Bay Area to Abhayagiri Monastery in Mendocino County. As he began to talk about his plan, he was encouraged to turn it into a "pilgrimage" and to invite other cycling meditators. Thus, the BBP was born, and within a few short months Dennis's "few friends" turned into a cycling sangha of 80 riders and 40 volunteers. |
|
| Dennis organized the 2002 pilgrimage under the auspices of Abhayagiri Monastery, which encouraged the Buddhist practice of dana, or generosity, as an underlying principle for the event. Inspired by this age-old practice, it was decided to charge no fee and to institute no fundraising obligations for the event. The ride's many participants and supporters responded enthusiastically, donating over $6,000 in appreciation for the spiritual teachings they received over the course of the pilgrimage. |
|
| After covering the costs of the event, nearly $2,000 was donated to Abhayagiri Monastery. |
|
| In 2003, Dennis passed the reins to a new organizer, Corry Wagner. Because of her positive experience on the 2002 pilgrimage as both a rider and volunteer, Corry wanted to keep the event rolling. Others joined her on the planning committee. Dharma Wheels Foundation, a non-profit corporation organized and run entirely by volunteers, was formed to carry on the event and to bring together the community. |
|
| The 2003 event was organized in the same spirit as the first Buddhist Bicycle Pilgrimage; a community event, organized on a volunteer basis, ridden and supported by spiritual seekers looking to bring practice into all aspects of their lives. |
|
| Thanks again to the generosity of the ride's pariticpants and supporters, the 2003 BBP donated nearly $2800 to our three hosts: Spirit Rock Meditation Center, the City of 10,000 Buddhas and Abhayagiri Monastery. |
|
| Matt Wathen was the 2004 ride coordinator. Matt rode both the 2002 and 2003 rides, and was the BBP treasurer in 2003. |
| Judi Garland is the 2005 ride coordinator. Judi rode the first BBP. She provided sag for the 2nd BBP when injuries prevented her riding. |
| |
|
webmaster
|
