IMPORTANT SANGHA DISCUSSION: Begin Accepting Donations?

[Entai]

I vote against a complicated financial controlling system and leave it to Jundo, Taigu and whomever they chose as trustees. No need for elections, voting, financial reports and checking of accounts . Well, not until we start seeing private jets in the background and Zazenkai from Tahiti Beach Club (although a nice vacation for our teachers would be well deserved). Also, some available means could make it possible for us as a sangha to offer help to those who are really in need. Spark new ideas and create new possibilities. Money however, must never become a subject for discussion and disagreement among us. This is why I think we should leave it entirely in the hands of those who created this great place and leave it there. Ones right hand does not have to know what the left hand does.


Gassho

MyoHo

MyoHo,
I agree. I don't want to vote for treasurer, oversight boards, etc. Let's keep it simple.

Gassho, Entai

[Ryumon]

While the teachings here have always been provided with no thought of compensation , I've wanted to donate to Treeleaf for years, as I know there are expenses. I'd be delighted to contribute to the stable future and longevity of Treeleaf.

Gassho,

Kirk

[Heishu]

Jundo and Taigu,

This is something that I think has been long overdue in becoming a reality and I thank you both for allowing all of us to have the opportunity to share in this way. I also agree that participation should to be voluntary since some may be living on limited funds.

Gassho,
Heishu

[Ishin]

I support the idea. It is only natural that we all contribute a bit within our means to make some funds available. Good and up to date computers, cameras and other systems lie at the heart of our sangha and must not be the cause of any worry or trouble. There is always some maintenance to be done, even though this monastery of ours does not have walls, a roof or a kitchen and yes, this always costs a bit of money.

As for how it is managed, I don't feel there is a need for a 5 strong oversight committee as longs as all contributions are not mandatory nor aggressively solicited. Since this is clearly not the spirit of our sangha anyway and our priests and teachers have our complete trust, I vote against a complicated financial controlling system and leave it to Jundo, Taigu and whomever they chose as trustees. No need for elections, voting, financial reports and checking of accounts . Well, not until we start seeing private jets in the background and Zazenkai from Tahiti Beach Club (although a nice vacation for our teachers would be well deserved). Also, some available means could make it possible for us as a sangha to offer help to those who are really in need. Spark new ideas and create new possibilities. Money however, must never become a subject for discussion and disagreement among us. This is why I think we should leave it entirely in the hands of those who created this great place and leave it there. Ones right hand does not have to know what the left hand does.


Gassho

MyoHo

Whoah with kindness and respect I really disagree. I think once you start asking for monetary support it requires oversight. If nothing else it PROTECTS Jundo and Taigu from such allegations and adds to the integrity of what this whole sangha is trying to achieve. It isn't THAT complicated.

Gassho
Clark

[Cooperix]

When I joined TL a few months ago I searched for a "donation/dana" link and was somewhat disappointed you did not accept donations. The sit-a-longs are alone worth their weight in gold! So thank you for providing the opportunity for me to contribute.
And I agree that an oversight committee would be helpful, not only with the bookkeeping but to protect you from any allegations of impropriety.
my vote is a big YES.

Anne

[Kaishin]

Yes

[lorax]

It is coming on six years now that Treeleaf has been my Sangha, my community. It is proper that we all have the opportunity to support our community and not leave the burden on the backs of our priests. Yes please establish the "dana" bowl for all of us to help as we can.

Jim

[Nengyo]

The plan looks solid. I support this completely.

[Myoku]

Thats a very good plan and it seems well thought to me,
yes, please do so, sometimes, when people really want to support specifically treeleaf with some funds, they should be able to do so, I believe.
_()_
Myoku

[Kokuu]

Definitely a good idea. Jundo and Taigu give so much of themselves so the finances at least should be shared around. The international postage for Jukai alone must have been expensive.

For me, the notion of a financial committee is not about protecting Jundo and Taigu (who have my complete trust) but rather sharing the load of managing the accounts and making any necessary decisions etc.

Gassho
Kokuu

[Jinyo]

I strongly support this plan. Feel neutral about an oversight committee - whatever is of most help for Jundo and Taigu.

Gassho

Willow

[Hans]

Hello everyone,

just a quick note to thank you all for your positive feedback! It's inspiring to know that there are so many people actively involved in this Sangha who really want to see it keep doing what it has been doing for the last few years.

Gassho,

Hans Chudo Mongen

[Liang]

I appreciate the opportunity to donate. Contributing finacially as able, even if it's a dollar a month, is part of being in a community for me at least. We donate to our family church, school association, community outreach, and so on. I feel it's only fair* that we donate a small amount to Treeleaf as a community I feel very invested in.

*fair to me not treeleaf. Why should we give money to my wife's choice of family worship yet not mine.

At the same time I am reminded of Bodhidharma and the emporer. How much merit will we gain by our giving? None.

Gassho and mettas for all those who serve and give. -Fred

[Koshin]

I think it is a great opportunity for our Sangha to make some projects in the future, and I believe the financial committee it's a good idea, for Jundo and Taigu to keep doing their thing (I do not know how do they have time for the things they ALREADY do )

So, lets have our own Treeleaf Piggy Bank

2014-02-08 14.18.14.jpg

Gassho

[Entai]

After reading some of the other comments here, I suppose a committee does make sense. I didn't really consider that not having one would put an extra burden on Jundo and Taigu. I'm fine with whatever is decided on. Big thanks to all who make this Sangha possible.

Gassho, Entai