Milarepa, Tibet/Xizang, Tibet Autonomous Region.
Current Location: Tibet House, New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, India. From the Huntington Archive
Dear Applicants,
As you know, Khyentse Foundation tries to help students, practitioners, and institutes practice, teach, and study the Dharma. Through the blessings of the Triple Gem, the generosity of donors, and the devotion and dedication of staff, many of whom are just barely making ends meet, we’re glad that this KF work is going so well.
I now have a special request to those applying for scholarships and financial assistance to attend Dharma programs. Please remember that, while we’re very happy to assist however we can, every penny that Khyentse Foundation offers comes from the devotion and concern for the Buddhadharma by all kinds of people. In fact, some of our donors are barely surviving themselves, yet they are so generous. So it is really the responsibility of all of us to do whatever we can not to waste even a dime of the money they give.
While most people receiving scholarships have used their assistance very well, and we are really proud of what they have done, I was disturbed to learn that some people have requested scholarship money for inappropriate purposes. To attend a recent Dharma program, one person even asked for money to cover things like tips and two weeks’ salary compensation on top of airfare, airport shuttle, food, and a single hotel room (not wanting to share a room like others) for the program plus three extra days.
So I need to emphasize that Khyentse Foundation is not here to make people feel comfortable or to cater to all their whims and wishes. On the contrary, because every penny comes from donors who are utterly devoted to the Dharma, KF has a no-frills policy that enables us to spread these scarce resources as widely as possible and to make the Dharma available to as many qualified people as possible.
Please remember this if you plan to apply for scholarship assistance, and please also look carefully at your own lifestyle to see how you yourself can allocate your own scarce resources to prioritize Dharma practice and study over less essential expenditures
– Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
Sadly, it seems that translating has become a “business” – tears my heart out that Buddhist Shedras are using the survival of the Dharma for their own aims. I wouldn’t want to apply for a scholarship that would have to cover 20000US$ tuition alone. Changes need to happen at institutional levels, too. Much of what is out there just isn’t “Buddhist” anymore.
I know some people who apply for scholarships are quite well off in my opinion. It doesn’t sit well with me.
Yes, there is a sense of entitlement with some people. One friend was talking of applying to KF in order to go on retreat. He was married to an independently wealthy woman and had been supported by his wife for the past 20 years. For some reason he thought he needed a scholarship from KF to go on retreat when his wife was fully capable of sponsoring him. Such people need to spend some time in Nepal or India to redefine their idea of ‘needy.’
Simplemente para estudiar el Dharma en beneficio de todos los seres sintientes …Muchas gracias
KF benefits many beings for specially who creating right way to enlighten and following dharma,social activity.
I rejoice all your supporting. This is not business, it is foundation for good virtues
For me, money is energy. So, whenever we use it, we are investing our energy in the transaction. Where we choose to invest our money, after our basic needs are met, indicates where our true commitments lie.
Thank you to the Khyentse Foundation, and to Rinpoche, for their continued generosity.
For a Buddhist nun like me, receiving a scholarship to continue studying Buddhism is a happiness. I am very grateful to the donors who gave me the opportunity to study and research the teachings of the Buddha. Wishing everyone good health and peaceful energy to serve the Dharma. Sadhu!