We are almost ready to submit our preliminary bank loan application — a big milestone on the journey toward establishing a permanent Vipassana centre in Ireland.

One important thing we’ve learned is that banks consider recurring monthly income as very important when assessing repayment capacity for a loan.

The good news is that monthly donations have grown steadily. Two years ago, they were €400. Today, thanks to the generosity of 39 old students, they have reached €1,225 each month. That is wonderful progress.

To qualify for a loan of up to €650,000, we estimate that we will need to show a consistent monthly income of €2,000. This means we are still €775 short.

The attached graphic shows the number of additional monthly donors that could help bridge this gap:

• €10 per month from 78 people

• €21* per month from 37 people

• €50* per month from 16 people

• €100* per month from 8 people

*For Irish tax residents, monthly donations of €21 or more qualify for tax relief. This means the government adds an extra 45% to your contribution, at no cost to you. E.g. A monthly donation of €21 means that Vipassana Ireland receives €30.45.

If you feel inspired to support this step towards a permanent centre, you can set up a monthly donation here. 

"This is a historic occasion. People who give dana for building a centre are actually giving service not only to those who come here for the first or second course, and not only to the people who will be coming here in a few years. They are planting a seed in this land, where Dhamma will grow; and for coming centuries this land will be a lighthouse of Dhamma."

S.N. Goenka