Dear members, friends, and supporters,
As you may know, in 2023 the Pian dei Ciliegi Association joined the Italian Buddhist Union (Unione Buddhista Italiana).
This step, which is very important for us, entails many positive aspects. First and foremost, it confirms our standing as Buddhists committed to the practice and dissemination of a meditation approach aimed at the liberation and purification of the mind, which, over time, has proven to be very effective in attenuating and eradicating mental defilements.
On a more practical level, on the one hand, it allows us to actively participate in the life of this important religious Association. This takes place both through the periodic assemblies of members and through the conferences that the Buddhist Union organizes every two years, which address important topics for the member Associations. Among other things, this allows for a greater and better understanding of the many traditions that make up the Buddhist universe and for the sharing of fundamental issues.
Furthermore, the Buddhist Union supports the Centers in various ways, both through regular training on specific topics related to the practical management of the Centers (accounting, volunteer management, tax legislation, etc.) and through financial contributions derived from Italy’s “8 per thousand” (8xmille) funds.And it is precisely thanks also to a significant financial contribution from the Buddhist Union that we, as the Board of Directors, are pleased to inform you that a few days ago the Association was able to purchase the Center’s building that currently houses the secretary’s office, the reception, and the teachers’ accommodation, as well as that of the residents.
This acquisition is part of a broader project intended to bring all the buildings that make up the Center under the ownership of the Association, in order to guarantee fundamental continuity even in the event of a change in the current ownership standing.In this regard, we are also pleased to announce that, within this broader project, a fundraising campaign is about to be launched for the purchase of the main building of the Center – which should take place in 2027 – where the meditation hall, the dining room, and the bedrooms are located.
Thanks also to the generosity of those who support Pian dei Ciliegi with their practice, we hope that this will truly allow us to grow further and to carry out our activity of practice and spread of the Dhamma with greater serenity.
The Board of Directors