In the woods of South Carolina, a gate with two iron deer opens to a dirt road gently curving through the trees to a pond. In a simple but elegant building, a monk in a saffron wrap teaches students on cushions beside the open windows where birds call and a gentle breeze blows.

For now, this is still a dream. Radiant Mind Retreat Center is not yet a reality, but the land where it will be someday has already been purchased, a beautiful stretch of several acres near St. George, SC. A Carolina Bay with a pond at its center lies among the trees at the heart of this secluded spot, and plans for future buildings provide for a teaching hall, a dining area, and cabins as well as camping locations. Using money from pledges by members of the Charleston Tibetan Society and the South Carolina Dharma Group, the land was bought in late 2005 and dedicated last spring. Radiant Mind will be a peaceful place for all of us to practice and a great aid in spreading the Dharma in South Carolina. Though the pledges will pay for the land, the buildings are not yet funded. Can you help with a pledge or donation? Click here to lean more.