“A dharma center is not necessarily a place just for contemplative activities any longer. It can be a full-fledged community for learning of all kinds, with social activities for young and old and families with children. This is a departure from traditional dharma organizations, but this transition is critically important for Buddhism to be viable in America.”

– Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, Rebel Buddha: A Guide to a Revolution of Mind

Causa is nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation created in 2016, by Dzogchen Ponlop Rinpoche, to assist those seeking a meaningful life to explore spirituality through education. Beginning with Buddhist philosophy, Causa aims to provide space and opportunities for scholarly study as well as spiritual practice of the world’s great wisdom traditions, informed and enhanced by exploration of contemporary physical and social sciences.

Causa will host a meditation retreat center and a library featuring collections of both written and artistic works from the Buddhist tradition.

Causa makes grants to qualified non-profit organizations, including Nitartha Institute and Nalandabodhi. In addition to supporting individuals and communities through education and the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and ethical conduct, Causa has special interest in programs intended to alleviate suffering and poverty. The focus of these grants will be support of women victimized by human trafficking as well as the relief of poverty in areas damaged by war or environmental disasters.