Lisa visiting Ani Tsultrim Palmo Lisa Hillard Memorial Trust
Working in conjunction with friends of Lisa Hillard, Gampo Abbey has established the Lisa Hillard Memorial Trust. The goal of this trust is to provide financial assistance to those in need who wish to complete the three year retreat at Sopa Choling. The existing Sopa Choling Scholarship fund has very limited resources and provides a maximum of 25% of the tuition for each phase of the program. The Lisa Hillard Memorial Trust is designed to provide up to 50% of the costs of the retreat for those who require financial support.
Tax deductible donations may be made to the Lisa Hillard Memorial Trust c\o Gampo Abbey.
1993, Lisa participating in Lhasang before building Shedra House prior to going into retreat |
1993, Lisa participating in Lhasang before building Shedra
House prior to going into retreat |
Subject: Marathon for the Lisa Hilliard Memorial Trust
From Brian Hillard
Dear Friends,
In August of this year a dear friend and dharma practitioner passed away. Lisa Hilliard died as she lived: with a soft heart, a sharp sense of humour, determined to make the most of the moment. After completing the three year retreat at Gampo Abbey in 1997, Lisa instructed many students within the Shambhala sangha and the Naropa Study Abroad program. In particular, she assisted many by teaching the profound practice instructions of the Kagyu lineage. She is a great example of a diligent practitioner who benefits self and others with joyous exertion, and her progress on the path is an inspiration to many. Her passing leaves us with a profound sense of sadness, and in remembering Lisa's example we celebrate the life of an exemplary student.
A few days before her passing I asked Lisa about setting up a trust in her name. She replied that the retreatants at Sopa Choling need help. I suggested that we set up a retreat fund, and she quickly agreed. The Lisa Hilliard Memorial Trust will provide retreat scholarships of up to 50 percent for 3-year retreatants who need financial assistance.
I would like to kick off the trust fund with a marathon race (42 kilometers / 26 miles) on November 30 in Florence, Italy. I invite you to make a pledge. Please reply to me at milapadma @yahoo.com with the amount of your pledge. 100% of all donations will go directly into the trust fund. After crossing the finish line I will send you further information on how to send your donation.
Suggested Pledge amounts:
_____ dollars/ euro per kilometer for a total donation of ____ _____
(For example, 2 euro x 42 kilometers = 84 euro.)
500 dollars/ euro _____ ______
300 dollars/ euro _____ ______
108 dollars/ euro _____ ______
When a skillful meditator meditating in the wilderness
And a skillful benefactor providing the wherewithal
Come together this connection leads to both gaining buddhahood
But what gives this link its meaning is to dedicate the merit.
- From Milarepa's A Song of Meaningful Connections
Lisa and friends |
Lisa and Susan Chapman |
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