Dear Friend,

Tulku Pema Wangyal Rinpoche sent me to Cleveland to share the precious Dharma with you nearly twenty years ago. My plan at that time was to remain in France and spend my life in retreat. However, having faith in my beloved Teacher and knowing the value of the Dharma, I agreed to return.

Through classes, Lama visits, retreats, public talks, and other events over three thousand people have since come in contact with the Dharma, and many of you have expressed how it has benefited you.

Sharing the Teachings has been a great joy and privilege for me, and during all this time I have been careful not to ask too much of you. But, I am now in dire need of financial help.

For years, I worked without pay, supporting myself and the Center with my own funds in addition to donations from the community. The small stipend I have been receiving in recent years still places me well below the poverty line and this money is dwindling fast. I am now facing the real fear of not being able to afford my day-to-day expenses. In addition, I am on Medicaid, which is in danger of being gutted in the near future.

Traditionally, the lay community gives material support to the monastic community and they give spiritual support in return. In Asia, monastics go for alms every morning. In addition to providing food, the lay community provides their housing, clothing, medicine, transportation, and more. In return, monastics teach the Dharma, perform ceremonies at death and other events, provide life advice, etc. Additionally, lay people receive tremendous merit for supporting monastics and the Dharma in general.

In the Judeo-Christian traditions of the West, the same system is in place. Congregations tithe, drop money in offering baskets, and the like. Housing, transportation, and medical care are provided to the clergy. The lay community offers material support to their spiritual leaders because they value what they provide in return.

Rinpoche has advised me to remain here despite these challenges and I want to continue supporting you with the Dharma, helping when you or your loved ones pass or when you are experiencing difficulties in life, and sharing the wisdom and compassion of the Buddha's precious teachings. But, in order to do that I need your financial support.

I am standing before you with my alms bowl. I have no other income apart from what you kindly offer.

In addition, Songtsen Gampo has other costs, despite no longer having a physical center such as certain paid staff, storage, website, insurance, and more.

Please give as much as you are able towards our GoFundMe Campaign so we can get a head start. And please consider becoming a Member so that we have continued, reliable monthly support.

All donations are fully tax-deductible!

There are over 500 people who regularly open our newsletters, but so far less than a dozen have donated. Even $10 or $20 would mean so much. Would you kindly donate today?

Please give generously! Thank you!

Thank you for all that you do, and I look forward to serving you for many years to come.

With love and gratitude,

Ani Palmo

Ani Palmo Rybicki

Director, Resident Teacher

Songtsen Gampo Buddhist Center