From the Executive Director

Zenju Earthlyn Manuel

Dear BPF Friends,

These are very exciting times in the world and especially here in our country.  In the U.S. we are considering a change in how our country impacts the world.  We are considering a president with a different cultural background than past presidents.  We are pondering a country with a president that believes in equanimity, that has a plan for peace, that values all living beings.  At the same time, some have a conservative perspective of the change to take place on this land, despite those who would like to see an overhaul of American life.

During my recent trip to Mongolia to attend Sakyadhita, the 10th International Conference on Buddhist Women, we were asked, "What would happen differently if our country were run by a Buddhist woman?" I responded that the first thing she would do is make amends, apologize for all the suffering our country has brought to millions of people here and in the world.  The Mongolia women smiled and one raised her fist in the air, nodding yes.

BPF cannot endorse a presidential candidate because of our specific non-profit status but we can encourage you to think peace, be peace and vote for peace.

Although the elections have our attention, we have decided to move the administrative office to Oakland to accommodate the size of our current staff.  As we reduce our operating expenses we can spend more resources on widening the distribution of Turning Wheel to those who engage in compassionate action.  We also plan to direct more resources to program development and fundraising as we meet the needs of newfound and exciting international and national connections.

At the same time we will maintain a presence in Berkeley. We will maintain our Coming Home Mediation room at 1840 Alcatraz as a pan-dharma space for sitting groups looking to share on a dana basis.  It's been beneficial so far with groups in the tradition of Vipassana ,Tibetan, and soon an upcoming Zen meditation group. Look for schedules of these groups on our website.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

In peace,

Zenju Earthlyn Manuel