I am deeply pleased to inform you that His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama has accepted my invitation to visit our Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center in Bloomington, Indiana to give teachings on the “Heart Sutra” on May 12 and 13 at Indiana University Auditorium. The “Heart Sutra” is a member of the Perfection of Wisdom (Prajñāpāramitā) class of Mahāyāna Buddhist literature and is considered by many to be the most popular of all Buddhist scriptures. The teachings will be translated into English, Chinese, and Mongolian.

In addition, His Holiness will give a Public Talk on Friday, May 14, 2009, at Conseco Field House in Indianapolis.  The talk is being sponsored by the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center of Bloomington, the Interfaith Hunger Initiative of Indianapolis, and the Indiana Buddhist Center of Indianapolis.  The topic of the talk is "Facing Challenges with Wisdom and Compassion."

Perhaps you would like to help the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center provide the teachings of the “Heart Sutra” in Bloomington.  Our Sponsorship Program features a group audience with His Holiness, preferred seating, and a sponsor lunch.  In addition, sponsors will receive a free ticket to the Public Talk.  Donation levels are Benefactor – $10,000 and above; Gold Sponsor - $5,000 and above; Silver Sponsor - $3,000 and above; Couple Sponsor:  $1,500 and above; Sponsor - $1,000 and above.  The Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.  Your donation in excess of the ticket price of $90 is tax deductible.  Please read the list below that describes sponsor benefits in more detail.

By becoming a sponsor, you will help defray the costs of His Holiness’ visit to Bloomington, thereby making it possible for others to afford and attend these wonderful teachings.  Your contribution also allows the monastic community to attend at no cost.  Your generosity will be acknowledged in our Program Book.  If you will not be able to come to Bloomington for these teachings, a donation is still appreciated.  Your contribution has innumerable benefits.  It can be used to help pay the expenses involved in putting on the event or help support the ongoing operation of the Tibetan Mongolian Buddhist Cultural Center and the Kumbum Chamtse Ling Temple.  In addition, our center is involved in establishing a Cancer Care Hospital for Children in Mongolia as well as creating a Library Project in Tibetan Settlements in.  Please clearly notate how you wish your gift to be intended.     

 Please send your name, address, contact information, and check to the following address:

          TMBCC 
          Attn:  Sponsorship Program
          P.O. Box 2563, Bloomington, IN 47402

 We are extremely fortunate to have His Holiness give us teachings on “The Heart Sutra.”  I hope you will be able to join us for this special and wonderful occasion.   We appreciate your telling your friends about this sponsorship opportunity.  For more information, please visit our website at www.tmbcc.net.