The 108 ways is a way in which you take part in the fundraising for our beautiful retreat centre whilst also finding ways to learn more about meditation and invigorate your own meditation practice. At the same time it will help to ensure that this facility continues to provide benefits for a wide range of people in the years to come.

For almost 15 years, Vijayaloka has been providing a beautiful setting and basic facilities where people are able to meditate, form friendships and deepen their understanding of the Dharma. We are now involved in a project of converting these very old basic facilities into more comfortable and safe facilities that ensure the continued success of this great place and the success of those who practice here.

We see the project as much more than a building project. By creating a special place where we can come together and practise the Dharma, we are living up to the ideal of altruism, and creating a tangible experience of interconnectedness. In a world in which there is such an emphasis on consumerism, we are providing an opportunity to go beyond the limits of our personal desires to something much greater.

Many thanks to all who have so generously contributed to the 108 Ways during 2007 and 2008. We raised over $80,000 which gave an excellent start for our renovations. In the first phase of the 108 ways we asked you to focus on practising generosity and simplicity together.

For 2009 we are going to focus on meditation as a key to practice. The proposal is for 108 people to raise $1,000 each during 2009, an average of $20 per week. We will have many different events during 2009 which may help to give you ideas on how to achieve this. One of these events will be a meditation marathon during Easter 10th to 13th April.