There are definitely so many worthy causes to donate money to that often we can just spend time intending to donate but never getting around to it. Understandably, just wishing to donate doesn't always mean we have the available money either. But once we have the intention and then a commitment, the act of giving has begun and we are a lot closer to the completion. A carefully orchestrated act of giving performed with mindfulness and the purest motivation we can muster, may help us to become more skilful and closer to a mind capable of the Bodhisattva's actions of generosity.

The Umbrella Club Pledge Book was created at the inception of the Umbrella Club in 1992. The Umbrella Club is a channel through which members and friends of Buddha House can direct money into the bricks and mortar existence of Buddha House, that is the mortgage and building upgrade and maintenance. The intention to donate $1000 or more can be pledged to the Umbrella Club in the Pledge Book. On the completion of your act of generosity ( once the pledge is fulfilled) as a gesture of appreciation, a beautiful Honorific Umbrella badge is presented to you - often by our patron Venerable Khensur Rinpoche.

One of the eight auspicious emblems, the Honorific Umbrella symbolises attainment and was chosen by Venerable Khensur Rinpoche to represent the collective of benefactors of Buddha House known as the "Umbrella Club".

Donations to the Umbrella Club are 100% tax deductible. Not that Buddha House would suggest that one should give with the expectation of some kind of repayment of reward! However, depending on the motivation, generosity can become the cause of samsaric pleasure, an upper realm rebirth (human, demi-god, god), a perfect human rebirth, Nirvana or Enlightenment, according to the Lam Rim teachings.

An act of generosity made with Bodhicitta motivation, perception of the Emptiness of subject, object and action of giving, and with the merit dedicated to the causes of Enlightenment and benefit for all sentient beings, becomes the cause of rewards far beyond worldly gains.

By making a pledge to the Umbrella Club there is the opportunity to practise the perfection of generosity. You can make your payments as fast or slowly as you like. Many people are extremely generous offering their services and skills to Buddha House to help the smooth operation of our Dharma centre and Buddha House thanks them profusely. Some people may not have as much time to offer but may have financial resources to offer. Both of these acts of giving assists Buddha House to be of benefit to many sentient beings - in fact 'countless sentient beings' as Ven. Lama Zopa Rinpoche would say.

Thank you for helping Buddha House to be of benefit to others!

Pledges can be made by filling in the enclosed form or contacting Buddha House office. The opportunity to write your pledge and any dedications on 'your' page in the beautiful Umbrella Club Pledge Book will then be made available to you. Donations of any size can be made to the Umbrella Club - once $1000 is accumulated, membership and the opportunity to write in the pledge book is also available.

Thank You,
Elaine Moore,
Umbrella Club Committee

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