(To see the original of this emailing, go here.)

“The light of Buddha is increasing in brilliance and the wheel of the Dharma is always turning. This temple building and this ground are guarding the Dharma and the trainees and all meditations and contemplations are full of treasure and wisdom.”

Dear Friends,

This month marks the end of my first year here at the Portland Priory: it has been an interesting and fruitful year for me and I am touched by your support and kindness. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to do my practice here in Portland and for the opportunity to serve as the priest of this temple: I look forward to continuing to learn and grow with you all.

I continue to be impressed with your dedication to applying the practice when confronted with impermanence and I hope that the practice has been a comfort and support for you, both regarding the changes at the temple and regarding the turbulence and change facing our wider community today: certainly the world can benefit from the light generated through our efforts in practicing the Way.

Virtual Alms Round.

It is the practice of monks and temples to hold out their alms bowl when there is a need, we hold out our alms bowl in faith that support for the practice and the temple will be given as is good. The temple holds a space in the world where compassion and harmlessness are valued and where all beings are welcomed to seek and find their own true spiritual home.

Our Appeal

So, the simple thing is that donations to the temple – that is, both financial and food donations – are down, and we hope that you will consider giving your support to the temple as the year draws to a close.

The temple’s usual basic yearly operating cost is from $9,000 to $11,000. This year, our year-to-date income is around $4,000 short of our operating cost expenses. So far, we have covered that shortfall from our savings, but long term, of course, we won’t be able to rely on savings.

Our long-term goal is to rebuild our savings, which have seen a substantial reduction over the last 2 years. For now, our goal is to meet our annual expenses this year and in the coming years. (For a more detailed look at the temple finances, please contact either myself or Allison Coe, our treasurer.)

How you might give

I am sure you are aware of many of the ways of giving and I encourage you to make use of whatever method is simplest for you. Whatever the size of your donation, it is gratefully accepted and deeply appreciated.

One way of giving that you may not be aware of, and may wish to make use of as the holidays approach, is giving through AmazonSmile. Amazon.com will give to eligible non-profits .5% of purchases made through the AmazonSmile program on the Amazon.com website.

For more information on (and an easy link to) making purchases through AmazonSmile that will benefit the Priory and for a few other suggestions for donations, please go to our “Supporting the Priory” web page.

Remember that all donations to the temple are tax deductible.

Finally, I and the priory council are deeply grateful for your practice and support of whatever kind. We hope that your holiday season will be peaceful and bright and that you, together with all beings, will be well and happy in the coming new year.

With best wishes and a bow,
Rev. Leon