Dear Friends,

As a result of the covid19 pandemic many aspects of our lives have been affected. This is true as individuals and also the institutions we are a part of. Because meditation retreats and other programs normally happen onsite, retreat centers have seen a drastic reduction in revenue as a result of the pandemic. These centers are non profit, however they need a certain amount of financial support in order to pay the mortgage, utilities, insurance and financial support for the staff that run the center. Our presence on the campus at retreats and the fee we pay to be there is in large part what supports these centers and allows them to continue to offer the dharma (the teachings and practices that lead to liberation).  Because of the pandemic many retreats have either shifted to online or been cancelled. This has resulted in a reduction in financial support, especially for “brick and mortar” retreat centers.

I am writing to increase awareness of this situation and to request your help. There are two centers in North Carolina that very much need our assistance. Heartwood Refuge and Retreat Center in Hendersonville is a newer, less established community founded by Venerables Pannavati and Pannadipa (in photo above). Heartwood is primarily a female inspired center and has attracted Buddhist nuns from around the country. Through the ages women have been second class citizens within the Buddhist tradition and sadly there are few places where a American woman with Buddhist ordination can go and be supported in a way that any ordained person needs to be. In addition to offering retreats and other meditation programs Heartwood also serves local and global marginalized communities and sponsors youth helping them stay in school and providing learning materials and computer technology. To learn more about Heartwood and to give to this wonderful organization go here:https://www.heartwoodrefuge.org/donate/

The other center is Southern Dharma Retreat Center in Hot Springs, which is also in the North Carolina mountains. As many of you may know, Southern Dharma is a special place to hear the teachings and meditate. Because Southern Dharma is more established and has been offering retreats for many years, they are on sounder financial footing but also need support. There is a active staff organizing the online retreats and taking care of the grounds. Bills still need to be paid and the staff needs to be financially supported! To give to Southern Dharma follow this link: https://www.southerndharma.org/ways-to-give/

The truth is we don’t know how long this pandemic will be preventing us from attending retreats in person. If we wish to have these centers available to us in the future, please consider giving generously to them now. There is a saying in the Buddhist tradition “the dharma takes care of those who take care of the dharma.” Sincerely practicing the dharma through studying the teachings and our meditation is one way of taking care of the dharma. Offering dana, which means generosity, in whatever form that generosity may take is another way we can take care of the dharma during these challenging and uncertain times.

Wishing you and all beings good health and peace.

John Orr