In search of lasting happiness, Romanian-born man seeks funds to continue Dharma studies in Austria.
AUSTRIA— When 27-year-old Vlad from Romania moved to Austria four months ago to study Dharma at one of Europe’s first Buddhist centers, he arrived with money saved for his expenses and a mission to become a better person and a benefit to society. Now, as he progresses deeper into his studies, he is in need for further funding to meet his basic necessities and set up a crowdfunding campaign ending February 3.
Vlad’s life began to change after the 2011 tsunami in Japan. While questioning the meaning of life, Vlad reached out to Seeds for Happiness, a spiritual center in Bucharest. Without a fully developed Buddhist program with qualified teachers and Tibetan language instruction, Romania seemed to be a dead end for Vlad’s new spiritual hunger. That is what led him to Austria.
Life in Austria being more expensive that living expenses in Romania, paying for basic expenses – like food and accommodation – has proven to be a challenge for the funds Vlad prepared while working and saving in Romania. “All of my courses of study at the Buddhist Centers are free,” said Vlad. “I am only looking to pay for my simple necessities.” Funds that exceed his goal of raising €10,000 will be applied to future necessities during his years of study.
Covering various facets of Tibetan Buddhism, Vlad’s program of study encompasses disciplines like psychology, philosophy, ethics, logic, and meditation. “I wanted to study Dharma so I can become a better person,” said Vlad. “I want to be a benefit to society through the enabling of others’ happiness.” Vlad has begun learning Tibetan language and attends classes with monks of various nationalities as well as other novice students like him.
After completing his studies at the center, Vlad aims to share the wisdom and knowledge with others, when he returns to Romania. He intends to set up a center for Buddhist studies in his country, translating Tibetan texts into Romanian language, organizing teachings and other events with Tibetan Masters and so on!
Supporters of Vlad’s crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo will receive rewards based on their level of giving, although giving of any amount – and sharing Vlad’s YouTube video – is appreciated. Starting at the €10 level, supporters receive Tibetan Up-to-Date language learning software. At the €20 level, supporters receive a hand-written postcard as well as a “thank you” video on email or Skype. Those contributing €25 receive a Wholesome Sound Mantra CD. At the €30 level, supporters receive a book about meditation called “Meditation and Daily Life” while at the €50 level, supporters receive both a documentary about monastic life as well as a CD of chanted recitations.
Supporters giving €60 receive a youth and Buddhism documentary with ongoing episodes to follow. At the €70 level, supporters receive a set of prayer flags believed to bless their surroundings. Those giving €90 receive an Indiegogo page to promote their own project with a professional HTML5 web site and custom domain name lasting one year. At the €200 level, supporters can arrange to stay a weekend at the monastery with food and accommodation from Vlad. Finally, with a €500 donation, supporters become a “Bodhisattva,” a person living in the spirit of benefiting others, and can choose from any of the aforementioned rewards.
You too can be a part of this young man’s wonderful journey to finding answers by visiting his campaign page or contributing here igg.me/at/way-to-happiness.
This is the first time ever he says that he’s reaching out to the public for help as he feels the strong call to advance with his studies. He says, “You are not only helping a young man accomplish his studies, but you are also wishing for a better world, for continued wisdom and awakening!”
