Bowing Before the Buddha

Planned Giving as Generosity Practice

Recently, IMS received a call from Mike Edelman, asking for our tax identification number. Mike had decided to include us in his estate plan. During the conversation, he agreed to share the story of how he came to put IMS in his will. His account is a heart-warming example of the important role planned giving can play in our practice of generosity.

First, can you describe yourself a little, to give our readers a sense of who you are and what is important to you?

After 29 years as an electrician, I am now retired at 54 due to a back injury. After a career of go-go-go, at times from before sunrise until after dark, the transition to "not doing" has been challenging. Even so, I soon realized one of the unintended side effects of my injury is the ability to practice more fully. And, fortunately, the injury has only minor impact on my ability to meditate. I am now trying to get a sense of how I can continue my own practice more skillfully and at the same time find some worthy cause that fits my ability and wish to help others.

What about IMS do you most appreciate?

I bow before the Buddha. I bow before all sincere practitioners including Joseph (Goldstein), Sharon (Salzberg) and Jack (Kornfield). I also feel a connection and a deep appreciation for each and every person who, in their own way, has influenced my life since I first came to IMS in 1977. Over the years, while I practiced and lived my life as mindfully as I could, IMS has been supporting the practice of many thousands of people. I recognize how precious it is to practice more intensely in a retreat setting such as IMS and how it can deepen our understanding.

What moved you to include IMS in your estate plan?

I wanted to first express my love and deep gratitude for what IMS has meant, not only to me, but to the countless people on the path to liberation. And, I want to do my humble part to assure its work continues so that all who seek freedom will have refuge.

After my mother died and my back injury intensified, I couldn’t work for a long time. My savings dwindled and I had no income, so I sold my house and car. During that time, it was only with the help of public assistance and the love and kindness of a few people that I survived. At some point in this period, I realized just how happy I was – free of nearly all of life's pressures. There was a lightness to everything. I knew that this was all leading me to more intensive practice.

Since then my circumstances have changed, but I learned a lot from having little. Now, I want to devote some of what I do have to supporting the practice of others. By including IMS in my will, I can be sure to achieve this wish.

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IMS is grateful to Mike Edelman and to all those who include us in their estate plans. Planned giving is a powerful way to help make certain that the Buddha’s teachings will be offered here for many years to come. Please consider joining the community of people who want IMS to span generations.

Please consider including IMS in your estate plans. For more information about giving options, from bequests to gifts of retirement assets, contact our Development office at (978) 355-4378 ext. 230 or development@dharma.org or visit our Planned Giving section.