We’ve got wheels!

We want to thank everyone who contributed in any way!  We now have a 2005 Dodge Durango which will nicely meet our needs for transportation for the next few years. 

Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Society's
2005 Dodge Durango 

As with so many things in life, this was a compromise.  We didn’t raise enough to purchase a newer vehicle, but with 175,000 miles this one is still in pretty good shape.  However, this vehicle will cost more to operate and to maintain than the Honda Element.  For example, the insurance on this is about $400 a year more than the same coverage for the 2003 Honda Element.   And it gets only about 17 miles per gallon.  Also, in the month we’ve had it, we have had the transmission flushed, and some electrical work done, and there is still some wiring to be replaced.  We drive about 1800 miles a month, so it will soon be time for an oil change. But it will do for the next 50,000 miles.

These increased costs mean we need to increase the income, and, we have to refigure our budget a bit.  That said, we have set up an “internal” account for the increased operating costs, and to save to replace the Dodge when the time comes. 

If you would like to support our mission of creating a more just, peaceful and enlightened world through the teaching and practice of the Noble Path, you may do so at

Ariya Magga Buddhist Missionary Society

c/o Wat Phothisomphan

2560 SE 14th Street

Des Moines, IA 50320

Or may contribute online via GoFundMe.  

The campaign link is: https://www.gofundme.com/27acf6ng

May your life be peaceful and blessed.

Bhante Dhammapala