Dear Friends,

We've had a wonderful year of growth at Karuna since our last fundraiser, with new programs, new activities, and new members. This has all been made possible by the generosity and support of friends like you. Your past contributions have helped our community flourish, and we are sincerely thankful. As we take the next steps in growing our center, we hope you will again consider joining us in this effort.

As we look ahead to the next few years, our focus will be on deepening our roots in Ann Arbor—or Treetown, as it’s affectionately known locally. Right now it feels like we are still a young sapling in the process of extending our branches as our roots grow beneath the surface to stabilize us in our ground here. This metaphor seemed particularly apt on a beautiful October day when some of us brought two young maple trees to our friends at Triple Crane Retreat Center in nearby Chelsea as part of our Dharma in action program. (See picture.)

This sense of being grounded in Ann Arbor increased In August, when we received the welcome news that Khenpo Chophel’s visa to work at Karuna Buddhist Center has been extended for another two-and-a-half years. Now that he’s been here for two years, he is already well settled and involved in the community. It's been exciting to watch his growth as a teacher; the caring and creativity in his ministry never fail to impress me, while I feel that this is only the beginning of what he and our community can accomplish together.

However, at the same time we find ourselves facing ongoing financial challenges as we look ahead to our next few years. We would like to be able to start saving for an eventual move to our own building—a rental at first, until we can afford to own. And of course, prices always continue to rise. Therefore, we have increased our fundraising goal for this year to $35,000. Please do whatever you can to help, whether by financial donation, making a purchase from our new online store, (watch for notices of its opening soon!) or sending prayers and good wishes for our center to grow and flourish.

Soon, we plan to start the search for a rental property to serve as our center--and ideally include living quarters for Khenpo. This will strengthen the stability of Karuna and provide a more permanent home for our Dharma activities in a place where teachings, meditation, and community life can flourish under one roof. We sincerely hope you can help us meet this next step, and also to begin saving toward a future down payment on a permanent home. Every contribution, large or small, will help us grow deeper roots and build a lasting foundation for our growing community.

We are living in a very challenging time, when so many people are seeking meaning, connection, and peace in their daily lives. Through the activities we offer, rooted in mindfulness, compassion, and awareness, our wish is to help foster love and harmony in our wider community. These values are needed now more than ever. Your kind support, even in small amounts, can bear great fruit in the future, helping to nurture a space where wisdom and compassion can continue to grow.

In sum, we at Karuna Buddhist Center have accomplished a lot in the past year—the third of our existence—with the help of so many people: our board, clergy, members, volunteers, donors and friends, every one of whom is vital to our success. We warmly invite you to join us in this journey—with your prayers, your encouragement, and your generous support—so that together, we can continue to nurture a flourishing, compassionate community.

Thank you for your interest and support!

Yours in the Dharma,

Lama Nancy Burks, President

P.S. Want to pay by check or direct deposit and avoid fees? Mail checks to Karuna Buddhist Center, 3255 Pittsview Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. Or pay by Zelle: Our ID is treasurer@karunabuddhistcenter.org. If you have any questions, you can email our treasurer at that address.

2025 Karuna Buddhist Center Fundraiser

Growing deeper roots in our community