A quarter of the way there. . . the Phurba of Space becomes the Phurba of Air

We are delighted to let you know that as at 31st December 2012 the total raised for Drala Jong stood at:

£114,229.80 / Euro140,867.60 / $185,729.00

This is a wonderful increase and really shows the support which the project is receiving from across the world. This is 23% of the target total of £500,000 - we're nearly a quarter of the way there.

The Drala Jong phurba will soon change to display our fundraising total so far.  It's first manifestation shows where we started out in 2012, with much of the Space Element manifest:

Later this year we will be able to update it show that we are making inroads into the air element section.  The phurba is courtesy of the remarkable Lama Shardröl, whose support for the project has been heartwarming.

For those of you who like more details about how funds have been raised in 2012:

We began the year with £70,505 in the UK Charity Accounts of Sang-ngak-chö-dzong.  In Britain and Europe we have raised £17,850 (some of our winter retreat money is still coming in and will be included in 2013 figures), donations in the US have raised  £24,870 (at today's exchange rate) or $40,006. This includes a transfer of the Montana Land Fund Appeal of $5,710 - many thanks to those individuals in particular who transferred their money for supporting this endeavour. The printing project of Lama Shardröl's sangha has also raised £1,004 ($1,616) so far, and also given exposure to the excellent work of the sangha's thangka painters.

People have found many ways to support the project - both big and small. There have been plant sales, car boot sales, garage and yard sales and second hand book sales.  There have been sponsored events to raise money from family, friends and the public (fortunately Mirek survived these events unharmed. . ). People have donated tips from their restaurant work. Items have been sold via Amazon and eBay or in Aro Ling. Apprentices have sacrificed their daily latte and given the money to Drala Jong. And people have given money in one off or regular monthly donations. Thank you to everyone who has helped.

So what will 2013 bring? In Britain inspired by the suggestion of the American sanghas and the success of the winter retreats we will continue with our retreat weekends at Frog's Leap.  We're delighted to let you know that we will be holding more such weekend retreats so that students of the Brevet Lamas will now be able to come along if they wish. On it's own this could potentially contribute £30,000 in 2013. Just over the water we are hoping to sort out the tax situation so that donations in Europe can be made tax efficient - thank you to Jens for working on that. Once resolved this will also benefit any other charitable activity in the Eurozone and help make more things possible across Europe.  Also in Britain we will be holding a fundraising dinner in April and at the end of the year hope to hold a Natural Dignity Ball. Raechel's Rabbit book will be out soon and we have Rinpoche's Blues Masters prints for sale as well as a number of calligraphies remaining - please get in touch if you are interested in any of these.

We would love to hear from anyone who has a plan for fundraising, or who would like to comment on the Blog.

Once again many thanks for your support

with much love

Ngakma Shé-zér Khandro & Ngakpa Namgyal Dorje