Support Brad's Journey to Dharma Teacher

Can you help Brad Wiscons get to Plum Village Monastery in France? Brad has been selected to receive the Transmission of the Dharma Lamp to be ordained as a Dharma Teacher in the tradition of Engaged Buddhism as taught by Zen Master Thich Nhat Hahn. Brad is a practicing Buddhist for over 17 years. In order to receive the Transmission, Brad and his wife Brenda Balmer will travel from their home in Vista, California to Plum Village Monastery in France.

After receiving the transmission, he will be a Dharma Teacher in the Plum Village tradition of Engaged Buddhism. The job description of a Dharma Teacher is to help people learn to be happy - vital work in these times.

Brad has worked hard over the past 14 years, studying and practicing to be ready for this moment. And yet, this is not an individual achievement. It is a testament to the faithful and consistent practice of everyone and everything that has shaped and nurtured Brad over his life. This includes Thich Nhat Hanh who ordained Brad into the Order of Interbeing, Senior Dharma Teachers, Larry Ward and Peggy Rowe-Ward, Palomitas de Paz Sangha -of which Brad is a founding member, Tranquil Lotus Sangha, Deer Park Monastery Sangha, Plum Village Sangha, Magnolia Grove Sangha, Blue Cliff Sangha, numerous Dharma Teachers both lay and monastic, family, friends, and animals, plants, and minerals.

Dharma Teachers receive virtually all of the support for their work through Dana practice or donations. Generosity practice was one of the first teachings of the Buddha, helping us understand through the practice of giving that we Inter-Are. There is no separation between the giver, the gift, and the receiver.

Any funds received over the cost of the trip and retreat will be donated to the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation.

We lovingly invite you to participate in Brad's trip to France and Lamp Transmission through Dana (donation) by giving to this fund to help with expenses associated with travel to Plum Village and participation in the weeklong ordination retreat.

Please give only if you have both means and desire. Please share this message with others you believe may be interested. And know that Brad and Brenda will carry you and all sentient beings with them on this transformational journey.

Update of January 27, 2025 Thank you for helping us break the $500.00 in donations ceiling! We have done this after a week. It would be helpful if you share our GoFundMe story with others who maybe interested. Also, I want to let you know I have submitted my Aspiration Letter and my Ordination Gattha. Preparing both items helped me look at the interconnections of all of us and reminded me this experience is not just a personal adventure, but a transpersonal adventure too.