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<div>Photo: Thepo Tulku
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<div>Hello,
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<div>My wife and I first met Thepo in 2019 when we volunteered to provide a place to stay for a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks visiting the US to promote World Peace. He has become one of our dearest friends. Recently he shared a very personal story with me. I hope he will not mind if I share it with you.
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<div>At some point in his life, Thepo decided he was no longer going to be a monk. The time came when he must go before the Dalai Lama and deliver the news. He was very scared.
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<div>As I recall his account the response of His Holiness to the news was something like this:
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<div>HH: "You no longer want to be a monk? That's okay."
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<div>Thepo surprised: It is?
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<div>HH: "Yes, yes, no problem. But... YOU STILL MUST DO THE WORK... You must share your knowledge and serve your community as if you were still a monk."
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<div>And he has spent his life doing good works. Thepo Tulku is a revered spiritual leader, beloved Buddhist teacher and world-renowned human-rights activist who has dedicated his life to spreading love, compassion and wisdom. Thepo is known in the Tibetan community as well as here in his adopted homeland for his selflessness and dedication to helping others. He is a joyful and humble man who has impacted countless lives through his teachings and guidance.
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<div>Thepo Tulku, needs your help. You may be surprised to learn that a person who has spent their entire life in the selfless service of others may end up with nothing to retire on, but this is the case with Thepo.
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<div>Thepo currently lives in Santa Barbara where he earns a living working as a food server at Renaud's Patisserie Cafe in Arlington Plaza on State Street. Thepo loves his day job but my wife and I feel that if he decides at some point to retire and devote full time to his work helping others, he should have that option without worry. It is up to all of us to ensure that he can retire comfortably when that time comes.
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<div>That’s why we have started this GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Thepo’s retirement fund. Our goal is to raise $250,000 to provide Thepo, after a lifetime of service to others, with the financial security he deserves in his golden years.
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<div>Thepo has an incredible life story. Born in Tibet, as a young child he was recognized as the 8th Thepo Tulku. In 1959, when he was only five years old and living in the capital city of Lhasa, tens of thousands of Tibetans took to the streets in protest against China’s invasion and occupation of their homeland a decade earlier. The revolt was brutally crushed and Thepo was forced to flee for his life. Escaping into the Himalayas, the young boy was carried through the mountain paths on the shoulders of monks who were shepherding the Dalai Lama into India.
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<div>Thepo has given so much to others throughout his life and it is now time for us to give back to him. By ensuring that he has a comfortable retirement, we can show our gratitude for his many years of service and allow him to continue spreading love and compassion in his own unique way for many years to come.
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<div>All donations will go directly to Thepo's retirement fund and will help cover his living expenses, medical costs, and other necessities. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference and show our gratitude for all he has done and continues to do.
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<div>Please help us reach our goal by donating to this important cause. No amount is too small, and every donation will make a difference.
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<div>Thank you for your support of Thepo and for helping to ensure that he is comfortable and secure in his golden years.
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<div>With gratitude,
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<div>Stan Tillman and Edyth Rodacker
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<div>Video: Story about His Holiness the Dalai Lama with his lifelong follower and friend, Thepo Tulku
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<div><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tqmxPIKCC8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tqmxPIKCC8" target="_blank" class="" rel="nofollow noopener noreferrer">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tqmxPIKCC8</a></a>
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<div>This video says it all! Please help and hit Donate and Share now. Thank you.
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Anonymous

Edyth Rodacker

John S Mason

Susan Irwin

Rachel Buck

Gina Fischer

AARON MCEMRYS

Tao Tenzing Dhamcho

Dorothy Blasing

Eirene Smith

Kevin Young

Vanessa Campos

Retirement Fund for Thepo Tulku

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Retirement Fund for Thepo Tulku

Still $243,343 to go. Help us build momentum.