IMPORTANT SANGHA DISCUSSION: Begin Accepting Donations?

[Kyotai]

Hi Nindo

Since you posted it again I will give my perspective. I would prefer it be used simply for administrative/technical and/or whatever costs creep up in the day to day operations of this place.

I certainly respect your opinion. And would offer support regardless of where the money goes. Perhaps we can discuss further when things evolve a little more.

Gassho

Shawn

[Jundo]

Since nobody has answered to my suggestion yet, I'm repeating it. It is a cause dear to me. If it falls by the wayside after consideration, so be it, but please, consider it.
Gassho,
Nindo

Hi Nindo,

I am thinking that certainly some funds will be used for that, including for the August Washington D.C. Retreat. Not sure how yet, or the exact procedure to earmark them.

One consideration, by the way, is what "hardship" means to folks in the prosperous West. Fugen recently told me about attending a Zen Retreat in Europe held in a hotel where some folks actually took time during the "discussion session" to complain about the quality of room service!

I believe we should help people with "economic hardship". But there is also the case that, in the West, people might not fully realize that they need to sacrifice a few trips through the fast food drive thru, their cable tv subscription, and buying that new Ipod in order to save funds to attend a retreat. Only then is it real "economic hardship". We will have funds to help people (including in attending the upcoming Washington D.C. retreat), but we will ask recipients of financial aid to really really look in the mirror at their situation before requesting.

Gassho, Jundo

[Heion]

I support!

All the best,
Alex

[Seimyo]

Wonderful. You have my support.

Gassho
Seimyo

[Ryumon]

Jundo,

An aside: the reason I mentioned FACTA is because many banks in the EU are starting to refuse yo open accounts for Americans, and some have even started closing existing accounts. It goes beyond simple reporting, and includes possible fines levied on banks.

Gassho,

Kirk


(Posted from my iPhone; please excuse any typos or brevity.)

[Daitetsu]

Hi there,

I also think taking donations is a good idea.
One thing though: The donation process should be as simple/uncomplicated as possible.
It should just be a thing of clicking a few buttons (e.g. PayPal).

Gassho,

Daitetsu

[Amelia]

Seems to already be coming to use. Thanks to all who donate and will donate.

[TimF]

I support this. I don't think it would have any negative impact on the Sangha.

Gassho,
Tim

[Genshin]

Hi,

Not sure what it's like in the US, but if the option exists to use an ethical bank for the account, it should be considered. Just a thought.

Gassho,
Genshin

[Heisoku]

You have my wholehearted support in this. Gassho.

[Steven]

I support this as well. Before coming to Treeleaf and looking into the closest zen centers to me (which are several hundred miles away) all of them had some kind of monthly membership fee to be part of their sangha. I was actually very surprised to find that Treeleaf didn't charge any kind of fee. An optional donation seems more than reasonable to help with incurred costs, upgrades, etc.

Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk

[Kantai]

👍A great opportunity to practice Dana, giving and reciving.
Gassho
Kantai

[lorax]

Following the course of this discussion over the past few days I guess I do have some reservations over what the funding would be used for. Using the funds to support the function of the Sangha is straight forward and should not raise questions if it is appropriate or not. If however there is consideration of using the funds to support individual members such as a "travel fund" them I think we need to take great care. Providing financial assistance for studies by our Unsui in their endeavor is a possibility, however even that will have to have oversight. Just from my years of experience as a manager of a large government program, scholarships, intern opportunities, awards etc. all well intended frequently led to dissention among the troops... Just a thought.

Jim

[Jundo]

Hi Jim,

Well, that is one reason we will have a "Board of Wisepeople" to approve expenditures. But I do not think it will be anything as complicated as "scholarships or intern opportunities". It will be more like, if a fellow in real financial straights needs a few bucks for a bus ticket to get to a Sesshin, we will help get him a bus ticket (with ratification of the "Board of Wisepeople").

Gassho, J

[lorax]

. ah Jundo, I knew you were lurking around tonight (tomorrow). Just in one of my over thinking moods tonight....

Jim