Friday is Book Day on the blog, but for the second week in a row I'm going to preempt that. Today I want to post on this blogsite a letter that I received in my email box recently from Jack Kornfield, Ram Dass, and Sharon Salzberg. Please read it, and let it take you where it does...
Please read the whole thing -- and then you will understand why I posted it here.
Thanks....Neale.
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Dear Friends,
We are writing to ask your support for two beloved friends of ours, Stephen and Ondrea Levine. (Stephen Levine is the author of many excellent books on conscious dying and caring for hospice clients).
They are currently facing significant difficulty. After a life-time of giving, they are now at a time to receive from those of us whose lives have been touched by their presence and teaching.
Their greatest needs are financial. Ondrea has Leukemia and the costs of her insurance and treatment have used up their savings. Stephen's health is not good either, and he is too frail to travel or teach. When we heard about this, we felt moved to contribute to a fund set up for them, and to encourage others to do the same.
Stephen and Ondrea have been among our generation's most important teachers, demonstrating and encouraging others to embrace the power of love and generosity. For three years, they ran a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week free phone line for those dying or in need of support. When the phone bills got too high, they sold their house to keep the project going. For decades they regularly corresponded with thousands people who were seeking spiritual guidance, giving freely to those in need, many of whom were sick or in the final years of their life.
The circle has now come around, allowing us the opportunity to give to these two life-long givers. We hope to raise several hundred thousand dollars in small and large donations to help them through this time.
Caring for friends and teachers is an essential part of any spiritual life. As we age, spiritual friends are more important than ever. Stephen and Ondrea have been dear spiritual friends to us and to thousands of others through their books, workshops, and correspondence.
If you are one of these people (or even if you are not, but feel nonetheless moved to give), below are three ways to donate to the Levine Fund at Bread for the Journey. Bread for the Journey informs us that donations are tax deductible.
With gratitude and love,
Jack Kornfield, Ram Dass, and Sharon Salzberg
Mail: Send to Bread for the Journey, 267 Miller Ave., Mill Valley, California 94941. In the letter, please enclose a note indicating that your gift is for the Stephen and Ondrea Levine Fund and in the note section of your check write "Levine Fund." In honor of the immeasurable gifts Stephen and Ondrea have given to the family of the earth, Bread for the Journey has generously offered to manage the fund with 100% of your donation going to the Levine Fund.
Phone: call 415-383-4600 with a credit card number.
Online: Designate the donation to the Levine Fund at:
JustGive.org
For questions and other means of giving, contact SorenGordhamer@gmail.com.
* Please feel free to post this letter on blogs or forward it to individuals or groups you know who may wish to hear news of Stephen and Ondrea.
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Stephen and Ondreas tapes, books have helped so many thousands in becoming more alive and dealing with grief-i have been especially gratefully after loosing my partner last year unexpectedly and so hard to forgive self but their words and compassion immeasurable. i don't know their lives but i am sure they took care of themselves and know i am not being tolerant of the comment implying they are to blame somehow. my faith is restored in this young human species when i think of people like stephen and ondrea. gratefully
Hello to all beings
just some truths
i ate vegie for over 40 yrs,walked up and down mts daily,meditated or practised for over 40yrs,did serivice since teens ,and played and rested more than most,laughed as much as possible.worked on myself to be more loveing and still do
aware of the energy being exchanged between us and the dying
not bad karma
healers training,heart training,wisdom training,illness is life's great teacher
much appreciation for all the love and kindness sent our way
vast uninjured and uninjurible spaciouness is our undying essence!
Treasure yourselves
ondrea
Ondrea- Thank you deeply for your post. I just learned all of this news tonight, as I attempted a web search to catch up with you guys after having a lengthy and inspiring dream about Stephen last night. My heart melts to hear of whatever difficulties you're experiencing but it's so great to see/read your words. You sound exactly the same as when I knew you briefly during a series of conferences in the early 90's. All of your teachings sing within me as vibrantly as they did when they changed my life, and my gratitude will extend forever. I will make a donation of course, as mere token of what you've both given me, but I will keep you in my heart for the rest of my days.
jeff connor
deerfield, ma
Jeannie,
I found your words to be in no way helpful but thoughtless and judgmental. Would you want someone to imply that your suffering was brought about by your poor life choices? Do you really believe that any amount of eating properly or exercising will help anyone on this earth evade death?
I hope you will think long and hard before you next feel compelled to share your thoughts on such an important subject.
Barbara
Re: the comments about blame and the Levines' situation, it's possible that the folks who wrote them are not acquainted with the Levines' remarkable teachings and gift of service. They have immeasureable value and gently, radically change one's point of view.
I just finished reading Stephen Levine's spiritual autobiography, "Turning Toward the Mystery," and wanted to know what he'd done more recently, and that search led me to this site. Over the years I've found that the voices of these two -- more than any other --speak a brave truth that wakes me up. They are a treasure. Folks who aren't yet familiar with their work are in for a treat.
Many thanks to them for all they've given and for their remarkable candor, about themselves and much else. (A donation is on the way.)
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