Milarepa Center has impacted each of us in a personal way. It's amazing! Our personal stories of how Milarepa Center has benefited us is what unites us together as a community. Together, we share a deep connection with this beautiful, serene, and contemplative practice center in rural Vermont. Because of this, we also share an inner-connection with each other.
The Inner-Connection: Milarepa Center Exists for You....Because of You
No one person makes Milarepa Center function. We all do. When the sangha, the community of Milarepa Center is strong, so is the Dharma. When the Dharma is strong, the Buddha is more than an just idea, but a living experience at Milarepa Center. This is only possible through the inner-connection we share and your kindness.
In Lama Zopa Rinpoche's recent advice to Milarepa leadership, we learned that generosity, made with the wish to benefit others, is the cause of enlightenment.
Your generosity to Milarepa Center is also the generosity of so many others. It's very beautiful. Giving to Milarepa Center becomes a meditation, a form of practice, and a path to enlightenment when you deeply look into the inner-connectedness.
The money you are giving to Milarepa was received due to the kindness of others. The dollar in your hand is not just your dollar, but once belonged to so many different people. Because of their generosity, it is now your dollar.
Now, when you give to Milarepa Center, so many other people are also receiving the merit of giving, becaus
e of the inner-connection shared. By giving with this motivation, you are creating a cause of full awakening not just for yourself, but for each individual connected to your dollar. It is truly rare and precious to be able to make offerings of this nature. The reason this act is possible is because of Milarepa Center.
Then and Now: My Story
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Look to the right: see that baby? That's me!
After a retreat in front of the main house for a group photo, Summer 1987, Milarepa Center
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My first experience at Milarepa Center was in the summer of 1987. I was just a baby still in my mother's arms.
Twenty-seven years later, I was invited to return to Milarepa Center to serve as your center director.
Not only do I love Milarepa Center, I believe in Milarepa Center. Milarepa Center has helped me deepen my practice of service, and has brought more joy and meaning to my life than I have words to express.
Recently, Lama Zopa Rinpoche, our spiritual director and guide, asked me to renew my commitment to Milarepa. Rinpoche asked me to be your director for another two years. I am honored to accept Rinpoche's trust in me...in us, in you and me, as a team....
...but, as your Milarepa Center team leader,
I need your help.
Today, in 2015, Milarepa Center is the same beautiful, serene, and peaceful retreat center as it was during my childhood- we are still hosting inspiring teachings and mind-opening retreats- we are still the hub for reconnecting with old Dharma friends and for meeting new ones you will cherish for a lifetime....
...but, in other ways, so much has changed at Milarepa Center since those pioneer years. Aside from the modern conveniences like flush toilets, we now have full-time team members who keep the doors of Milarepa Center open all year long... for you.
Help us in this new chapter to continue to be here as your East Coast retreat center, your place for rest, recharge, practice, growth, and community.
Ensure Your Future: Writing Our Story Together
Make sure today that Milarepa Center is here for you and others tomorrow.
Yes, it is true.
Milarepa Center cannot survive on program fees alone. We do our best to keep program costs low and to be resourceful with what we need to operate.... but we simply cannot pull the heavy load without your support.
We are actively creating sustainable methods for Milarepa Center to support itself, but they only work if we all work together. It is so easy to see how inner-connected we are.
The addition of a spiritual program coordinator to our permanent team means we can run as a fully operational retreat center, offering a variety of retreats and programming throughout the year...And we want to know what you want. Don't hesitate to let us know.... It doesn't matter who you are, we are here for you!
Do not delay. We cannot do it without you!
Mailing a check? Make it out to Milarepa Center and mail it to:
Milarepa Center
1344 US Route 5 South
Barnet, VT 05821
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This is me now, as your Director of Milarepa Center.
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Thank you very much for taking your time to listen. Thank you for your kindness. I am grateful for your generous support of the Center and I hope to see you soon for a program.
Felicity Noel Keeley
Milarepa Center Director, 2014 - present
