Dassanāya Buddhist Community
A rich history made manifest here and now.
Our community is based in the teachings of early Buddhism, as they have been passed on for more than 2,500 years. We follow in the footsteps of the awakened women, men, and folks of the Buddha’s time and the sages of Thailand, Sri Lanka, China, Japan, and America. Their teachings have been recorded in the ancient Pali texts called the Nikayas, as well as in the Mahayana texts such as the Prajña Paramita and Shobogenzo. We offer Dharma talks, meditation instruction, traditional ceremonies, sutta contemplation, retreats, and classes. We also offer a limited number of opportunities for the training of individuals who wish to explore stewardship or living the Buddhist monastic life.
Let’s keep growing
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Community
What is “dassanāya?” This word means “for the purpose of seeing” or “in order to see” in the ancient Pāli language. We are a group of folks who are interested in practicing Buddhism. The early Buddhist teachings, typically associated with the Theravāda, are the primary focus of the group. Zen teachings also play a part. This endeavor is based in the community — the people, not a city or a building or a single individual. Thus, taken all together, our name means “a gathering of people for the purpose of seeing with the wisdom of Buddhism.”
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Ethics
The ethical precepts of Buddhism support clarity of mind, connection, and freedom from regret. Learn more about our approach to the ethical precepts in this video chat with our Guiding Teacher
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Member of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association
As Dhammadipa is a full member and former President of the Board of the Soto Zen Buddhist Association (SZBA), Dassanaya Buddhist Community has adopted the association's code of ethics and process for conflict resolution.
Our mission is spiritual care based on meditation and ethics, to cultivate and embody the presence of Buddhist wisdom in the world.
Learn more about our Guiding Teacher and Community Teachers
Community leadership
Our dedicated Board of Directors
Dhammadīpā
CHAIR
Dhammadīpā is the Guiding Teacher of Dassanaya Buddhist Community. She began practicing Buddhism in 1987 and is a Dharma Transmitted priest in the tradition of Soto Zen. Before becoming a full-time practitioner and teacher, she earned an MBA from UC Berkeley and worked in finance. Learn more about her on the Guiding Teacher page.
Jōsō Olivia Haas
CORPORATE SECRETARY
Jōsō Olivia Haas is a European student of Dhammadīpā from Germany and has received the 16 Bodhisattva Vows from her. She is married and the mother of two school-age boys. She is particularly concerned about the welfare of women and children, and family is very important to her. She enjoys walking with her dog in the woods near her home, spending time at the sea, reading, and drawing. She studied information management and archiving, and in recent years, she has devoted herself entirely to her family and Buddhist studies.
She looks forward to supporting the community at Dassanāya in the role of board Secretary and practicing online with her diverse Dharma family.
Kaili Mang Jeyarajah
BOARD MEMBER | COMMUNITY LIAISON
Kaili heard her first dharma teaching at a secular MBSR course during a difficult time in her life. Seeing the benefits, she started to learn mindfulness wherever she could. Her first retreat was at Plum Village in France where her family happened to be stationed at the time. She later trained for and was certified to teach secular meditation and mindfulness with MMTCP. She formed a weekly ongoing class at IONA senior services in DC that continues today. She co-leads weekly meditation classes at the DC jail with the sangha of Insight on the Inside. She met Dassanāya when it was a seed in the heart of its Guiding Teacher, and she has been a devoted supporter ever since. Kaili was formerly a corporate interior designer first in NYC and then in DC and an avid motorcycle enthusiast. Humans are her favorite animal, and after her husband and 2 sons, staying on the Path is what she cares most about in life.
Jeffrey Rosenberg
BOARD MEMBER
Jeff is a teacher with the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW) and is currently the Chair of the Seven Oaks Retreat Center Steering Committee.
He has been co-teaching with Dhammadīpā and will continue to do so.
In his “day job,” he is a clinical psychologist offering what he calls “Dharma-based therapy.” He also has an MBA from the University of Chicago and has been a management consultant in a prior career. Jeff is an avid tennis player, is teaching Mindful Self-Compassion and a father of two with three grandchildren.
He has served on the IMCW Board and is delighted to now serve the Dassanaya Community.
Dana Elliott
BOARD MEMBER
Dana is a long time practitioner and student of Dhammadīpā.
She lives in Ellijay, Georgia. She is a graphic design volunteer for Dassanaya Buddhist Community.
Dana looks forward to sitting with you at Dassanāya in person or via Zoom.
Dassanāya Corporate Officers
Taj Carson
TREASURER
Taj Carson is a committed Buddhist practitioner, with roots in Soto Zen practice. After more than twenty years leading a research and evaluation firm, she is now pursuing a new path in hospice chaplaincy.
Taj lives in Alexandria, Virginia, where she enjoys rowing, cycling, and spending time with her dog. She is grateful for the opportunity to serve and support the Dassanāya Community. This has become an important part of her practice and life.