My name is Satyin. In a personal capacity I'm asking you to help my friend.

Sangharakkhita has a shocking, harrowing history, a remarkable story of recovery and exemplary determination to not harbour hatred or ill will towards perpetrators of atrocities. He has sought to dedicate his own transformation to helping others in East Africa and beyond overcome their suffering and trauma.

Please view this 5 minute trailer of a documentary that is being made about him*.

Unfortunately, due to his willingness to be open about the events of the past and encouraging others to engage in open sharing healing processes that recognise common suffering across ethnic divides, he has been forced to seek asylum away from East Africa, for his own safety.

As he was invited to an interfaith event in Vienna he has applied as required under EU Dublin convention there, but having arrived legally is receiving no financial support whatsoever, and won't be entitled to any for some months.

A contact in Austria is urgently exploring any possible accommodation although some hopes have failed to materialise.

If you (or your contacts) can offer - in Austria - accommodation, legal representation, or friendship, please get in touch. The legal process will take 1-2 years. Medium & long term plans need to be made, but right now there is urgent need to pay for minimal current living costs: €10 Euro per night hostel; €5 daily food; €16.50 weekly Vienna travel card = €121.5/week (x52; /12 = €526.50 Euro per month). By the time Western Union cash transfer fees/charity giving sites take cuts, I'm guessing £500/$660 per month. There is a need to evidence a rent agreement for 4 months as a path towards Government support, so I'll start by setting a 4 month budget target, but to get £ ASAP with the shortest possible 30 day campaign.

In my experience Sangharakkhita is a sincere, kind and impressive man who is an exemplar of letting go of hatred or ill will towards perpetrators of even extreme unskilful acts he has witnessed or been subjected to, and found himself on a spiritual path as his response to such atrocities. He has provided a lot of inspiration to others, but right now needs food, shelter & legal support.

Please give whatever you can afford.

* (NB this is separate to planned future crowdfunding by documentary maker Jenn Lindsay to complete the documentary https://www.mindingshadows.com )