For more than fifty years, people have come to Drala seeking something increasingly rare: stillness, wisdom, and the transformative power of the Dharma. And for more than fifty years, generous hearts have sustained this place.
Every shrine room, forest path, lodging, shared meal, and moment of practice has been made possible by those who came before us—people whose generosity quietly created the conditions for others to awaken. Today, you have the opportunity to become part of that living legacy.
Long after today, someone you will never meet may rest on a bench you helped place, walk a path you helped build, or find the courage to continue their journey because this place exists.
That is the quiet power of your generosity.
That is how we create the conditions for practice.
That is how we leave a blessing for generations to come.
Handmade Benches
Through the unique connection to the Land, these benches will serve as an invitation. Not simply to rest and meditate on, but to take in and appreciate all that stands before us. From the beauty and decades of practice in this place, to the ways we are interconnected with nature all around.
You also have the option of adding a commemorative plaque to the back of your bench. Whether you’d like to dedicate your bench to a loved one, a teacher, or a particular teaching, you can leave a unique mark on each one.
Ready to donate? Choose the donation amount matching to your chosen bench type.
Types of Benches
Our incredible Facilities team is offering their skill to create handcrafted benches using reclaimed wood from the Cameron Peak fire and other naturally fallen trees across our land.
Benches are available at set donation amounts:
3 Jewels Bench: $7,500 Featuring a bench seat, a back and some other special characteristics such as arms rests or elaborate woodworking.
Buddha Bench: $5,000 Featuring a bench seat and a back.
Dharma Bench: $2,500 A simplified bench seat, no back.
Sangha Bench: $1,000 A meditation platform.
Commemorative Plaque
A plaque will be furnished by the DMC for the Bodhi, Sangha and Meadow benches. Plaques will be cast bronze, and will contain your custom message, subject to approval by Drala Mountain Center.
