The dekyong program for the Steamboat Springs sangha is a derivative of the dekyong program that is in place at Gampo Abbey in Nova Scotia. The idea of introducing this concept to the Buddhist Center of Steamboat Springs was the brainchild of Glenna Olmsted in 2008.
After Tim and Glenna returned from residing at Gampo Abbey in 2003 where dekyongs were a needed and important part of the monastic and lay sangha there, she saw a need to have this structure put into place within the sangha here in Steamboat. So, she approached her good friend, Julie Reid, and together they set up and defined the dekyong program which is still in place today. Over the years, there have been many who graciously and excellently served our community in this way.
This program was formed with the idea that sangha is taking care of sangha, expanding our awareness and realization by relating to each other, propagating and promoting dharma activity, and practicing the Bodhisattva principle by caring, assisting, informing and watching over each other. Kyong means “protector,” so the dekyong is the protector of the happiness or bliss of the “delek” or community.
They are in charge of the well-being of our community. The duties might consist of forming a food train when a member of our group has become ill or has a medical procedure that makes caring for themselves or their families difficult. Other duties include following up on what is needed at any given time during hard times or a family death, for instance. The sangha at large could be called upon by the acting dekyongs to help with these processes so that we are all involved in helping each other. And it’s also an avenue for our sangha to be kept informed if a member requests prayers or just wants the membership to hold them in their hearts during their personal or other formal practices.
At any given time, there are usually two dekyongs, however, all past dekyongs may serve as backups should an existing dekyong be away or not able to serve when needed. In 2023, when our online sangha became existent and grew significantly, an online dekyong was chosen to serve that part of our community.
How are they chosen? Existing dekyongs consider and choose the applicants conferring with Tim or sangha council, if needed.
A short ceremony to set intention for each new dekyong is done when a new dekyong has been chosen and also serves as an introduction of the new dekyong to the community.
The lineage of dekyongs in Steamboat included these brothers and sisters who, if still available in our community, continue to step up if the current dekyongs need assistance. (please forgive and let me know if I forgot anyone)
Glenna Olmsted
Julie Reid
Steve Myers
Lynn Oslick
Emily Colin
Marchelle McCarthy
Anne Halloran
Barbara Bradley-Rutz
Cathryn Mayer
Leland Williams
The idea of dekyong in our community has evolved over the years with each dekyong helping and contributing to its evolution and function. In other words, it continues to grow better and better with new ideas evolving all the time.
If you think that being a dekyong would be a fit for you in the future, please let our current dekyongs know, so they can add your name to the list for when there is the next opening.
Written by Glenna Olmsted