(…) In our precious Practice Lineage it is taught that the one who meditates and the one who enables it gain the same benefit, and together they will attain Awakening. (…) Since I myself do not have the opportunity to devote myself to meditation in retreat, I simply rejoice that others can do it and support them in any way I can. (…) Recently I also decided to allocate part of my pension directly to the costs of meditation retreats (…) and several friends decided to join me. This is how the idea of a “retreat fund” came into being, so that those who have a similar aspiration may also have the chance to directly support the practitioners in Grabnik.

Dear friends,

As you know, ever since the Buddhist Center in Grabnik was established, a variety of meditation retreats—both short and long, group and individual—have been held here alongside our regular group practices and teachings. This is in accordance with the wishes of our Rinpoches from the Benchen Monastery.

Most practitioners are able to cover the cost of their own living expenses during retreat practice. Some are supported by individual donors. However, there are also those who do not have the means to fully finance their retreat. For example, for more than six years a Polish monk, Gelong Damcio, has been practicing in strict retreat in Grabnik, covering roughly one-third of his living costs. But of course we would never ask him to interrupt his practice simply because a monk lacks money—this is out of the question! That is out of the question. Another Polish monk, Lama Tenzin, is just beginning a longer retreat. Considering how much valuable commitment and work he has contributed to the centre over the years, we as the Benchen community, owe him a great debt of gratitude. I will personally do everything I can to support him.

Recently, someone else also completed a three-year retreat, but their personal savings sufficed only for one year. I could give more similar examples.

In the Buddha’s teachings it is said that the first of the paramitas is generosity, and that all the other virtues of the Bodhisattva arise from it. Moreover, in our precious Practice Lineage it is taught that the one who meditates and the one who enables it, gain the same benefit and will attain Awakening together. The great yogi Milarepa said:

“The great yogi meditates in a cave.
 Benefactors bring him food.
 Such cooperation leads them together toward Awakening.
 The essence of this interdependence is the sharing of merit.”

To be honest, I would personally prefer to focus on meditation in retreat. Nothing else would bring me greater satisfaction—except for one thing: fulfilling my Lama’s wishes. Several times I asked my guru, Dorje Chang Tenga Rinpoche, for permission to enter a longer retreat. But Rinpoche consistently replied that this was not the time, and that above all I should help others in their retreats by bestowing the necessary empowerments, providing instructions and guidance. The continuous stream of people wishing to practice in retreat does not let me forget Rinpoche’s words, demonstrating me that this activity is still needed.

So since I myself do not have the opportunity to devote myself to meditation in retreat, I simply rejoice that others can do so, and support them in any way I can. From the Buddha’s Teachings I know that the merit arising from such support does not depend on the quality of the meditation of those being supported, but only on the purity of our own intention.

Although I already belong to the group of regular sponsors of the center, I recently decided that I would also allocate a portion of my pension directly to the costs of meditation retreats.

When a few friends learned about this, they decided to join me. That’s how the idea of creating a ‘retreat fund’ came about, so that those who have a similar wish would also have the chance to directly support practitioners in Grabnik. To avoid any misunderstandings, I want to make it clear right away: this is not a project of some foundation that would finance all meditators anywhere in the world, but rather our small, local Grabnik initiative.

We will not be opening a separate bank account, as this would involve additional costs. It is sufficient to deposit funds into the general account of the Association, with the payment description ‘retreat fund,’ or to make a donation at the centre’s office.

With best wishes,
Lama Rinchen
Grabnik, 7th January 2024