The Mountain Hermitage
P.O. Box 807 - Ranchos de Taos, NM - 87557575-758-0633 - hermitage@mountainhermitage.org - www.mountainhermitage.org
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November, 2009
"Those who rejoice in that gift, or give assistance, they too have a share of the merit --"
-- The Buddha
Dear Friend in the Dharma,
How deeply true this is! Each generous offering given to support The Mountain Hermitage creates merit in the many who will practice with us in 2010 -- and the merit of giving brings happiness to those who give.
How often we've seen the results of such generous giving in the many practitioners we've served through the five momentous years of The Mountain Hermitage -- and in the lives of friends like you whose steadfast support makes our ongoing work possible.
For every one of our five challenging years we have depended on the reliable, continuing financial giving of friends like you --
-- and we must depend on your year-end support again this year. The Hermitage will need $12,000 in charitable donations to continue our scholarship aid at current levels (the need is greater than ever), and to support general operations for three light-filled retreats in 2010.
On behalf of the many we will serve in the year ahead, I strongly encourage
you to support The Mountain Hermitage with a generous, tax-deductible,
year-end donation of $1,000, $500, $250, $100 - or whatever amount you feel
you can share.
Every philanthropic dollar we receive will be used to its greatest efficiency. Out budget is lean, our Board, retreat and office staffs are deeply dedicated, and our practitioners are filled with gratitude for the practice opportunities you help us provide.
The effects of the economic crisis continue - and so too the urgency of the financial need of the many whose practice with us wholly depends on scholarship aid. We know from practitioners themselves that each person's meditation practice ripples out, touching many lives and bearing fruits that make a difference in the world.
As you are thinking about the amount of your gift, hold these words from a grateful scholarship retreatant in your mind and heart, for they might have been written to you --
"With sincere appreciation I am writing to thank you for your support of The Mountain Hermitage -- It seems uncommon in our western world to come across individuals who give with care and understanding, and without the need or expectation of receiving something direct and tangible in return.
"In meditation practice, a growing understanding, appreciation and deep care for other beings and the world develops. I have seen in myself that this has increased my ability to contribute positively to the world.
"So the benefits of just one person's meditation practice radiate outward to an unimaginable extent. And, she continues - "all these benefits are part of the radiation of your practice of giving."
How beautifully and truly said! Your own practice of giving through a charitable year-end gift to The Mountain Hermitage will radiate through the 2010 Annual Spring Retreat, the Wise Concentration Retreat, and the Self-No Self and the Creative Process retreat.
-- It will radiate through the lives of each of the practitioners who, thanks to your support, will be able to join us this year. In the past five years, friends like you have helped us serve 253 practitioners in 14 retreats.
-- Your practice of giving will radiate through the lives of teachers, retreat, and office personnel, who will be offered a modest stipend for their work, thanks to your help.
Please choose one of the suggested donation amounts on the Mountain Hermitage Donor Reply -- or another amount - inspired by the knowledge that each dollar you give will bring us closer to meeting the challenges of our sixth Mountain Hermitage year.
Click here for a Donor Reply form suitable for printing. Then return the completed Donor Reply with your check or money order in an envelope addressed to The Mountain Hermitage.
If you choose to give by credit card, please go to the How You Can Help page on our website. You will be able to offer a gift through your credit card via Network for Good which offers options for supporting our scholarship fund, teacher fund, and general operating costs on a one time or monthly giving basis.
"Having been given in the proper season, with hearts inspired by the Noble Ones -- their offering bears abundance", the Buddha said. On behalf of the Board and those we serve, we thank you for all you do, and wish you abundant joys in the unfolding New Year.
With metta,
Marcia Rose
Guiding Teacher, The Mountain Hermitage
P.S. "We are somehow mutually involved in the opening and softening of our hearts and our world," wrote a practitioner. Read and view more moving and illuminating expressions from Mountain Hermitage retreatants in our first e-newsletter by clicking HERE. Thank you again, and the happiest of New Years to you and those you love.
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