Dear Dharma friends!
I hope you can pause in the middle of this busy holiday season. to read this letter. As it happens this time around, our merriment meets strong forces pressing in all round us. Our holiday times this year are affected by very real challenges in the myriad changes happening in our society. The wild uncertainty actually entreats to turn to our practice of “not knowing," thus opening doors to follow our vows of compassion.
That said, amid the events in our world, I am so happy to share with you that this year we reached a milestone in our practice as a sangha. We had a full dharma calendar. We had our first Sesshin and Head Trainee Ceremony. Those firsts, and our lovely precept ceremony for four members, highlighted a fantastic year.
On the downside, we had low attendance in the Introduction to Zen meditation class. Moreover, for the first time in our Shinzan's Birthday fundraising, we did not surpass our previous fundraising amounts. We collected $650 with only 12 donors. I was really surprised. There may be better ways to fundraise than Facebook, or the current economy may not be so good—something to reflect on.
I am writing this letter to procure your support for 2025 so we can be a self-sustaining sangha. I understand that we all are experiencing the hits of economic inflation. We are a small sangha that operates on a low budget to cover operational expenses. We keep our program fees very low in comparison with what is in the market to give everybody the opportunity to participate.
I know you may be tired of receiving fundraising letters, and I apologize for the inconvenience. But now more than ever, we need to create spaces for all people who struggle with suffering, personally and socially. OG Zendo is one space that does relieve suffering.
As the year ends, we enter into the holiday season with our mission. The spirit of appreciation, gratitude, and generosity is real with us. Together we advance. Simply, we do GOOD! Please contribute to support our Sangha, either one-time or as a regular member or a benefactor.
Our annual fundraising for Open Gate Zen Collective begins now. We invite you to be a benefactor, to join our Sangha on this journey this coming year. Your contribution, no matter the size, carries measurable significance. We hope you feel moved to make a generous yearly donation to support Open Gate Zen Collective's Mission and Vision so that we can secure the foundation of the Sangha in Southern California. Whatever we become has everything to do with you.
Please consider a donation to the Open Gate Zen Collective (CA registered 501.3c non-profit).
I express my heartfelt gratitude with a deep bow.
Sensei Jose Shinzan Palma
