Gently changing course

Last month's newsletter detailing the change of course for the Mikyo Dorje Institute, prompted feedback from people throughout the community.

We were pleased to hear from people, especially during this period of change, and it seems you were pleased to hear from us too. Many of the comments received reflect the feelings of the project team and are positive, useful and encouraging.

General feedback has highlighted the support for a smaller and more manageable property than Haughton Farm, for ongoing careful use of funds, and appreciation for the work that has taken place so far.

Later in the newsletter we have quoted, with permission, specific feedback that has been emailed in by people supportive of the project.

We were happy to learn that friends in Nepal are keeping Rinpoche up-to-date with developments.

The search for a site is in progress and we are now looking in Shropshire, Staffordshire, Lancashire and Cheshire, for a place to develop the Mikyo Dorje Institute.

Narrowing down suitable properties is happening through a site search team. Properties identified, via contact from a landowner or surveyor; in response to letter or email; or listed online by estate agents, are filtered by members of the team using a set of standardised criteria. If promising they are discussed at the regular meeting, to decide if the next step should be taken, which would be to visit the property in-person.

If you have seen a property you'd like us to look at or would like to share your thoughts, please email: info@mikyodorje.institute. 

The second half of the newsletter is about legacy giving.

Feedback received:

"Thank you for the update. Sorry it hasn't worked out with Haughton Farm. I'm sure a lot will have been learnt in the experience which can be put to good use with the next property, until the right one for the Mikyo Dorje Institute appears. It's just a matter of time and connections. It's going to happen. I look forward to seeing it. Congratulations on everything you've achieved so far!"

"Some disappointment after all the work and enthusiasm on it, but I'm sure there'll be something else just around the corner and maybe a bit of a chance to work on the finances in the interim.   

And of course, underneath it all will be conditions of karmic readiness - with the developments over the last couple of years and the crystallising of the ideas, I hope it's not wrong to surmise that conditions seem to be becoming more supportive...! Perhaps some deep and quiet propitiations have been made."

"Being able to give to this project has given us both a lot of happiness, and we are very impressed by the way it is being managed. I will continue to make aspirations, and hope to be able to do more to help in the future."

"I received your email with mixed feelings - sadness that your efforts so far have been frustrated, but also happy for the opportunity to allow the further growth of the intertwined circumstances which will bring the project to fruition.  

It has always struck me that the appearance of most temples is not the result of a wealthy individual underwriting the financial aspects but of the community of Dharma practitioners coming together. I wish you and the project team well in your future endeavours and will help if I can."

Legacy giving

As we don’t yet have a site in sight, additional funds are not required now but we know the long term nature of Mikyo Dorje Institute will require substantial support.

One way to contribute, which is extremely positive, both for the individual supporter of the project and for the project itself, is to include the Mikyo Dorje Institute in one's will. Increasing numbers of people in Dechen have recognised this and taken appropriate action.

Why is Mikyo Dorje Institute open to receiving gifts in wills?

The aim of the Institute is to provide access to the transformative, mind-opening and heart-warming blessings and instructions of the Dharma, for generations to come. We have felt the benefit of having this access in our lives, and we want that to continue into the future.

A gift in a will is a generous acknowledgement that we remain connected and wish to support something we have cherished in our lives in order to strengthen the opportunity for others. 

In the general population approximately 50% of people have not written their will. In order to make this process easier, Kagyu Dechen Buddhism Trust have teamed up with a company called Make A Will Online, whose qualified solicitors check the wording of people's intended bequests, to ensure that their wishes are clear and realisable. Although primarily an online service, they also provide telephone support. This arrangement costs a fraction of the normal expense of using a solicitor. 

If you choose to use this service and complete the form you will see that you have a choice between paying the fee yourself (currently £40) or having Kagyu Dechen Buddhism Limited pay on your behalf.

The Make A Will Online service is most suited to people whose circumstances are not complicated. If your circumstances are not straightforward you should consult a solicitor or other will writing service in the usual way.

You can read more and fill in the form here:  https://www.mikyodorje.institute/legacy-giving

Please contact info@mikyodorje.institute if you need further information.

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