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Removing a Dangerous Pine
at Pema Osel Ling for Fire Safety
Vajra
Protecting Pema Osel Ling
Dear Friend,
 
Vajrayana Foundation's Pema Osel Ling, a holy place of pilgrimage blessed by sublime teachers, exists solely to preserve the wisdom of the Buddha Dharma and to benefit all beings, under the direction of HH Dudjom Rinpoche III Sangye Pema Shepa.
 
We want to express our deep appreciation and gratitude to everyone for helping Pema Osel Ling through another difficult pandemic year. Thank you so much for your generous support, which helped the Dharma to touch so many people around the world.

Through all the challenges in 2021, we continued to carry out daily pujas and tsok offerings, to present teachings through streaming and recently again, with in-person events. 

We were also able to accomplish important infrastructure projects needed to preserve and protect Pema Osel Ling. (See list below.*) 
 
Vajrayana Foundation is now reaching out to you for help as we face unprecedented challenges. 
 
Our main income source has been hosting wedding events. Because of Covid cancelations, we have lost two years of vital revenue. Through the Sangha's tremendous generosity, along with Covid assistance programs, we have been able to financially keep going to this point.

Unfortunately, these assistance programs have ended. Financial recovery will take time while we work to resume wedding activities and other income streams.
 
WE ARE FACING ONGOING THREATS FROM WILDFIRES
WITH LIMITED FINANCIAL RESOURCES 
Loma Fire in the Santa Cruz Mountains, September 2016
Projections are for continued extreme drought in California, with increasing fire danger in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Because of our lost income, and the necessity to focus on Pema Osel Ling’s activities and operational expenses, we are falling short on the urgent need for continuing to harden the property against wildfires.

With limited time before the fire season is back, we need to get moving on vital fire protection.
 
Pema Osel Ling is a precious resource for all of us. Please consider a Year End donation to help protect this blessed place at this very precarious time.
We project a budget of $135,000 for the most-needed fire remediation projects which include:
 
·      Professional tree work - $55,000
·      Brush removal - $30,000
·      Liner preservation of the Offering Pond (which was used by firefighters in the 2008 Summit Fire) - $7,000
·      Fire Retardant Painting of the Sangha House $12,000
·      Replacement of several decks and stairs with fire resistant materials - $31,000

We want to express again our deep appreciation to you, our incomparable sangha! The opportunity to work together to fulfill our sublime teachers’ aspirations of preserving the Dudjom lineage is very precious.
Dudjom Rinpoche
Your support now will help us continue this coming year. Please join with us in this effort to protect Pema Osel Ling for future generations.

With a deep bow of thanks,
Becky Loy and Nancy Menzies for the
Vajrayana Foundation
*2021 Projects Accomplished
at Pema Osel Ling
Replacing wood retaining walls
with concrete
Chipping brush
Leaking shrine roof replaced with a new one.
Office and Lama Sonam Rinpoche's Residence with fire-retardant paint
New stairs and deck
with fire resistant materials

  • Cleared brush and dozens of large trees from around the shrine room and other buildings, and along access roads

  • Installed the new shrine tent roof

  • Painted the main office building, including Lama Sonam Rinpoche’s house and shrine room, with special fire-retardant paint

  • Refurbished a large metal water tank to be used for wildfires

  • Installed a new pump for our offering pond (which was used during the 2008 Summit Fire)

  • Paved the office walkway for greater safety

  • Replaced wooden retaining walls with concrete

  • Landscaped and installed irrigation to help with drainage and water conservation

  • Installed a larger multi-building generator for our water system and private retreat cabins to handle the ever increasing power outages

  • Paved a portion of the cabin driveway for greater access and

  • Replaced wooden cabin siding

  • Repaired decks and stairways on the Orchard House, Redwood Cottage, and Round House,
Sunrise Over Offering Pond at Pema Osel Ling
May all beings benefit


We invite you to enjoy photos and a summary of our programs and activities at Pema Osel Ling this year.
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Treasure Vases of the Dudjom Lineage