Dec 2010 Fundraising Letter

Building a Home and a Place of Refuge

Dear Friends of the EIAB,

During the retreat in June with Thich Nhat Hanh in EIAB here in Waldbröl we received so much approval and support for the EIAB project. Again and again we heard: “Now I can see Thay’s vision. I can support it. The EIAB is an important and wonderful project, which we need so much in our time.” We also heard: “We can feel the transformation that is taking place in the building and this is so important for Germany.” The fact that these positive qualities have become visible is because of all the generous support we have received from you, our friends.

Today we want to ask you to continue to support us in realizing this vision to create an international Buddhist Institute in Germany. Concretely we need your support to be able to realize the next stage of construction.

Thay’s heartfelt wish that he has expressed to us on several occasions is that during his next visit in May 2011 all participants in the retreat can be housed in the EIAB building. When we all stay together we are united in mind and in space.

The public authorities require that we do not delay in finishing the renovation of the building and we estimate that we need one year for the next stage of construction.

Up to now we have renovated one fifth of the building. The next stage, another fifth, will mean the renovation of more bedrooms as well as a large seminar room. The seminar rooms we are now using are sometimes filled to capacity and beyond.

We have calculated a sum of 700,000 Euros for the next stage of construction. This amount includes the expenses for a new water pipe and a renovation of the heating system in this part of the building.

Please help us realize the vision of Thay and of so many other friends so that the EIAB will continue to grow both in the sense of enlargement and also in the sense of deepening the application of the Buddhist teachings in the modern world. Through your financial support you assist many people to come and practice here. You donate more than just
money. You help people find relief from their suffering and learn ways to have joy and peace in their daily lives. Thus you contribute to peace in the world.

We express our heartfelt thanks for your generous donations that have made and will make our work possible. We have confidence and trust that you will continue to support us. We express our thanks also for your attendance at our courses and retreats and your spiritual support. Please recommend us to your friends.

Thay Phap An
and the brothers and sisters of the EIAB

For more information on how to donate, see the donation page.