As you well know, all my Dharma activities, my books, and
articles are available for FREE to all who wish to learn about the orthodox
Jodo Shinshu Buddhist teaching. Also, at Amidaji temple there are NO taxes or
fees for accommodation, religious services or teaching activities.
Yes, I do have the printed editions of my books on sale on
Amidaji website, but I also provide, (according to my religious vow), free
online editions for those who can't afford or simply don't want to buy. Also, printed editions are sometimes given as
gifts at various occasions and to people who cannot read online or in pdf, and
also cannot afford to buy.
I am glad to say that, for example, at every two printed
copies sold per month, I have at least 50 copies downloaded for free. This is good
news and a sign that what I teach and write is useful to many.
However, as you all know from your everyday life, everything
costs money. The funds I use for my activities come from working here and
there, sometimes as a security guard, from donations and very little from
selling books. The fact that I have free online editions make very few people
wanting to buy. Some advised me to suspend the free online editions in order to
sell more books or to add a tax for membership, teachings, and retreats. I know the advisers are well intended and have a lot of financial arguments, but I refuse such a thing. The Dharma can't be
sold, no matter what. During Shakyamuni Buddha's time teachers gave Dharma for
free and people supported the teachers by free will donations. This has always been the
principle I apply in my life as a priest and in my temple.
Recently I took the decision to dedicate my next books to my
Dharma friends and readers who supported me through donations and those who
wish to do this in the future. So, all
those who kindly give a constant donation every month, no matter its 1 euro, 5
euro, 10 euros, 20, 50 euros (dollars) or more, will be mentioned in the list
of patrons and will be dedicated the new books I am working on. Also, in the list will be included the people (deceased or alive) in whose name a monthly donation is made.
The more stable my situation is, the more time I can dedicate to writing and teaching. So, my plan is to raise
a minimum amount monthly (perhaps around 500 euro/ month) for daily needs,
maintenance of the temple, and teaching activities. Perhaps, if a constant
number of people who read Amidaji website and benefit from it give at least 5
euro or 10 euro per month, or more, I will be able to raise that amount.
To give a little each month (or week if you wish) requires
less effort on the part of the donor, but assures me a constant amount every
month that can be used for the temple, various Dharma activities and for daily
needs. Thus, every little help is gratefully received and very
important.
If you wish to donate you can go to this link ( DONATION) where
there is a PayPal donation box and two Bank accounts. There is also a DONATION box
in the left column of this website, too. Perhaps you can find a technical mean to schedule a small contribution for each month so that the funds go automatically at the end of the month to Amidaji.
However, no matter how much you decide to donate, please don't forget what I always say - Donations do not solve
the "matter of the greatest importance" of death and rebirth. Only
through simple
faith in Amida we can be born in the Pure Land and attain Buddhahood.
Thus, donation is NOT a religious obligation, but a free-will gesture of help for which I am very grateful.
Yours in Namo Amida Butsu,
Josho
Even the incense or flowers I offer in the name of all donors at Amidaji altar, I also offer it in the name of all beings everywhere. My recent books have been dedicated to patrons, but also to all mother sentient beings, without exception, because this is the true spirit of gratitude and filial piety in the Buddha Dharma. As Shinran said, "all sentient beings, without exception, have been our parents and brothers and sisters in the course of countless lives in the many states of existence."
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