In the News
HHDL public talk a success.
According to one of the event hosts, Rev. Kent Millard (President, Interfaith Hunger Initiative), "His Holiness The Dalai Lama not only talked about compassion, but He demonstrated it by designating half of the net proceeds to be used to feed hungry children. Furthermore, about 5,000 people stopped by the Indianapolis Interfaith Hunger Initiative display table to pick up information about how to practice compassion by feeding the hungry right around us."
To be more specific, David Miner (Volunteer Executive Director, Interfaith Hunger Initiative) reported that their share of the "proceeds will feed 1,500 Kenyan AIDS orphans a much needed school lunch for an entire year, as well as procuring a quarter of a million pounds of food for hungry Indianapolis residents."
G-la has a green card!
Due to the outstanding dedication and practice of our membership, tireless devotion of our board members, perservering effort of our attorney and of course the infinite compassion of our teacher, the U.S. immigration department has finally approved and distributed a green card to our teacher!! We are estatic to announce that this is the final step in his immigration process (unless he later decides to apply for citizenship) and that he may now enter and leave the U.S. at his choosing. Please visit the photos page for pictures of the celebration/welcome home party hosted in his honor and wish him congratulations the next time you visit/speak with him. We are so blessed and looking forward to fulfilling our vision of opening his teachings and wisdom to a wider audience to help all mother sentient beings achieve enlightenment. With warmest regards - the IBC Board
He's Back!!!
We are overjoyed to announce that IBC’s spiritual director and precious teacher, Geshe Jinpa Sonam-la, is back from India. Thanks to the hard work of our board of directors and our attorney, the immigration process went very smoothly. Geshe-la is very happy to be home and is expecting his green card to arrive in the next few weeks.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who helped with this process. You showed your support in so many ways - by reciting prayers, working at the center, or donating money to the legal fund - just to name a few. We wouldn’t have been able to help Geshe-la return to the U.S. without our wonderful members!
After paying for Geshe-la’s travel expenses and the initial legal fees, we still have approximately $3,000 to pay our lawyer. If you have the ability and compassion, we would greatly appreciate your further assistance with this. You can donate online by clicking the “donate” tab above, by mail to our center, or in person at any IBC event. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. Geshe-la's wisdom, integrity, dedication and selflessness are beyond compare and of immeasurable benefit. We are so blessed to have him home!
The New Driveway & Parking Lot Completed!
Thanks to your generosity, we have met our fundraising goals for our new driveway and parking lot! Click here to see photos
Immigration Status for Geshe Jinpa Sonam
Geshe-la will be returning to India on September 4, 2008. He plans to use his time there renewing his Visa, visiting his home in Ladakh, visiting the Drepung Monastery and all of his friends and students, and visting Dharmasala. IBC plans to use the time during his absense to complete the zoning requirements for the new center, maintain the building, and provide guest teachers as the opportunities arise. Click here for updates.