An American Pilgrimage
A 1500 Mile Run-A-Thon Fundraiser!
Help Us Build a Dharma Center!
The word dharma is a Sanskrit word that means ‘truth’ or ‘universal law.’ A dharma center is a place where people are supported to look deeply and carefully at the nature of reality, the truth of who and what they are, and the source of their own personal suffering. It is a place where they are encouraged to release the beliefs and psychological clinging that cause distress in their lives, to recognize their innate freedom of being, and to appreciate the simple happiness available to them. A dharma center is a refuge, a place where people can find sanity, clarity, and peace, and learn to surrender to the moment by moment flow of life.
We have been leading meditation retreats in the wilderness for the past 10 years. Inspired by the power of these retreats and our need as humans to re-examine our relationship with the earth, we sought a large, nature-based, dharma practice center. Shortly thereafter we received the 700 acre Bells Mountain property in the fall of last year, along with the associated non-profit 501(c)(3), and operating costs for the first five years. Now we need to build a meditation hall (Zendo) and residential quarter's so that we can start hosting Sesshin (meditation retreats) and residential spiritual practice. We are estimating the costs at 1.5 million.
Thus, Soten, Shinei, along with their newborn daughter Sabina & dog Samaya have begun a 1500 mile pilgrimage-fundraiser run-a-thon from Mexico to Bells Mountain to gather funds for the new buildings, and to raise awareness about the center.
Soten is traveling solely on foot and his plan is to run more than a marathon a day, 5 days a week, for 1500 miles. Shinei and the little ones are driving along side, supporting in a converted van that was donated for this purpose. The hope is to raise $1000/mile to reach our goal of 1.5 million for projected building costs, and to begin construction in 2026.
Please make a pledge so that deep spiritual practice may continue to flourish during our lifetimes!
(All donations are 501C3 taxes deductible)
What is a Dharma Center?
Goal: 1500 miles/1.5 million dollars ($1000/mile)
Please spread the word!
We're looking for people to help us with publicity and marketing and for places to stay on our route.
Our Route
We will be following the Google Maps walking route starting from the Mexico/US border near Tijuana through Markleeville, CA, up to Corvallis, OR, west to the Santiam Pass, then following the PCT to the Hood River area. We hope to find a trail route from the PCT to Bells Mountain. Below is a list of some of the Highways and towns near or on our route: Please connect us with anyone you know on this route!
California: San Diego, Route 66, San Bernardino, Victorville, Hwy, 395, Olancha, Lone Pine, Big Pine, Mammoth Lakes, Hwy 89, Bridgeport, Topaz, Alpine Village. Hwy 88, Fredericksburg
Nevada: Hwy 395, Indian Hills, Carson City. Hwy 580, New Washoe City, Reno, North Valleys
California: Doyle, Susanville, Janesville, Hwy 139, Adin, Newell, Tulelake
Oregon: Hwy 39, Merrill, Klamath Falls, Hwy 97, Chiloquin, Kirk, Beaver Marsh, Hwy 58, Cresent Lake Junction, Odell Lake, Oakridge, Eugene, Hwy 99, Junction City, Corvallis, Hwy 34, Tangent, Lebanon, Hwy 20, Sweet Home, Upper Soda, Santiam Junction, Hood River.
Washington: White Salmon
Do you know anyone who lives on our route? Please help us find places to park our van for the night.
And feel free to come meet us on our route to run with Soten or just for a visit!