December 29, 2009
Please consider Tara Mandala when making a year-end philanthropic gift
As 2009 draws to a close and you consider making a year-end gift to support the work and mission of a nonprofit organization you value, please think about donating to Tara Mandala. Every bit helps!
This has been a challenging year economically, and Tara Mandala has weathered the storm. We’ve been heartened by the doubling of enrollment in spite of hard times, showing us that now, more than ever, what Tara Mandala offers is needed by the greater community. However, in 2010 we are losing $100,000 in grants that have annually subsidized the operating budget. The result is that although we have been able to maintain the remarkable achievement of covering basic operating costs, we will be highly challenged to do that next year. Tara Mandala’s unique programs continue to transform our world in so many ways, including a robust scholarship fund, sustainable upgrades to our facilities, the final completion of our stunning temple, improvements in staff housing, and the construction of another retreat cabin. For these projects and so much more, we depend on your generous partnership and support. Tara Mandala has always been funded and built by a relatively small number of highly committed individuals. We do not have a huge network, and depend on each of you for the amazing heartfelt support that has created this extraordinary place. Please know that whatever you can offer will make a difference.
For sixteen years, Tara Mandala has provided an amazing array of teachings from authentic lineages, and has created a unique resource to the world for deep retreat, refuge and renewal. Today this work goes on in our programs, and 2010 will offer a continued development and deepening of our world-wide practice community. During our work on land restoration and building development, using Permaculture principals as our base, we have consistently incorporated ceremony, offerings, and ritual in order to create a harmonious and respectful relationship with the existing spirits of the land.
Looking towards a more sustainable future, our buildings provide solar powered heat and hot water, and also serve our mission to inspire spiritual awakening through creating a deeply nurturing environment on every level. The new temple provides a stable home for the Dharma and Tibetan culture in the new millennium. To this end, we now have a resident Khenpo (Buddhist PhD.) from Bhutan, Khenpo Urgyen Wangchuk, carrying the ancient knowledge of Machig's lineage and the Dzinpa Rangdröl cycle. We also continue to employ the artistic genius of Lama Gyurme in the spectacular interior and exterior painting in the temple. We now have four of the 21 exquisite, life-size Tara statues that will encircle the shrine room, and expect to receive the remaining 17 statues during the next year. Lama Tsultrim's teachings are spreading world-wide, making Tara Mandala the center of an international web, a sacred place for generations to come.
Through your contribution, the wonderful cycle of interdependence that has created Tara Mandala will continue to bloom in ways beyond our imagination. Please consider making a donation today. Every bit helps! Click here to donate, or call our office at (970) 731-3711.
From all of us in the magical web of Tara Mandala,
With love and deep gratitude,
Lama Tsultrim, the Board of Trustees, and Tara Mandala Residents