Bridge the Gap between Graduation & the Next Step

Hi, this is Ivanna and this is a fundraiser for my father. He has graciously shared with me his mission, the purpose behind the past few years of hard work. I am sharing that with you today.

My grandfather often remarked while he was alive how my father “marches to the beat of his own drum.” Tu eres al revés de los cristianos, he would frequently utter in wonder, never in derision.

Perhaps you have experienced going against the grain. In the summer of 2019, my dad embarked on a spiritual journey of what he referred to as a deepening in the dharma as he undertook studies eventually leading to a master’s in divinity degree.

He currently holds a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University, and a master of arts degree from the Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico. He is also a writer who happens to be quite fond of alliteration.

Early in 2023, my father pretty much disappeared into the final semester abyss of researching and writing a capstone thesis paper while taking seven credit hours of coursework and engaging in field study/internship, finally graduating last month (May) with the master’s in divinity in the Buddhist/interreligious tradition at Naropa University.

Disappearing meant he performed no outside work except for school work. He’s continued to study meditation, and has taught a few individuals to engage in a meditation practice, but producing no income, he has supported his work solely via financial aid. And now, one month post grad, he finds himself pursuing the next important steps without the student loans which have propped up his full-time divinity studies.

The immediate/urgent need is really for the next 90 days, to bridge his work from “full-time student” to that of sharing the dharma within traditionally underrepresented communities, which is his heart goal. I am sure you know my father is a native speaker of Spanish, and his heart is to share the ideals of mindfulness, meditation, and presence as spiritual disciplines within a variety of settings.

Currently, as he gets back on his feet financially, he is also applying and interviewing for placement leading to board certification as a chaplain. Placement for this 25-hour/week unpaid program begins in September. Meanwhile, he is reigniting his work as an associate real estate broker while seeking greater opportunities for service within the meditation community he is a part of.

90 days of funding for my dad includes routine expenses (rent, utilities, groceries, fuel, mobile/internet, plus air travel to Rochester and business dues without which he cannot engage in the real estate work he does. The total amount we are raising is $7,400. Your gift in every amount is greatly appreciated.

_____

Graduation gifts great and small are ALL great and wonderful. As an incentive and an expression of gratitude for your gift in any amount, my dad will send you a bibliography of helpful resources to assist you in your meditation practice. Thank you.

For your coveted graduation gift from $50 to $500, my dad will share with you a PDF copy (delivered electronically) of his pre-publication master’s thesis (40+ pages), a philosophical examination of how our politico/religious world’s lack of authenticity lulls and decieves us, something too often reflected in our own disregard for what is genuine, including our relationship with ourselves, our loved ones, and the very things we work hardest for. He also explores his own developing path toward recognizing reality, with a description of the Buddhist view of the two realities, among other topics, PLUS receive six weeks of individual meditation instruction with my dad personally (in person or via video conferencing) for 30 minutes each session at a mutually agreeable time, AND a bibliography of useful literature on śamatha and vipaśyanā types of meditation. (He can explain that to you if you don’t already know.)

A graduation gift over $500 will receive a printed hard copy of the pre-publication master’s thesis (40+ pages, delivered via USPS mail), PLUS the previously mentioned items.

He asked me to mention that even if you cannot make a gift and you want to receive meditation instruction from him, he would love to meet up with you, so just reach out directly to him. And consider following him on facebook at ivanisms.org.

Namasté.