It is beyond doubt that the past glory of Buddhism was due to its followers’ courage in seeking the true meaning beyond a material life. But we should never forget that this glory was also due to the support provided by people and nations who saw value in such pursuits. Even great kings and warlords have put aside their usual ambitions in the interest of supporting the Buddhadharma. Khyentse Foundation wishes to follow in these footsteps. Buddhism has enjoyed many golden eras – the age of Ashoka’s Mauryan Empire (3rd century B.C.), the Chinese Tang Dynasty (8th century A.D.), Japan’s Tendai Dynasty (9th century A.D.), Kublai Khan’s reign (12th century A.D.), and preinvasion Tibet. During those times, Buddhism suffused all parts of society. Just as people nowadays worship Ivy League graduates, Hollywood stars, and football players, the general public had tremendous respect for professional renunciants. They saw the value in investing in the enterprise of seeking enlightenment. We are trying to build an atmosphere and circumstance of a Dharma-friendly world, to become patrons to all the aspiring practitioners from all traditions. In traditional Buddhist countries, when sadhus and yogis begged for food on the street so they could practice the Dharma, people looked at them with awe and respect, the way we in the present-day look at cancer research doctors. They thought, “Wow, these people are doing an amazing job, searching for the truth for the benefit of the rest of the world.” So they offered food and shelter, they paid homage, they gave respect. Times have changed. Now, these sadhus are shooed away from the doorsteps and Citibanks.