Supporting Lion's Roar Dharma Center —
The Practice of Dana
Dana (pronounced Dah-na) is a contribution we
make to support our freedom and happiness and the freedom
and happiness of others. Dana is a donation that we make
each time that we visit the Dharma Center for meditation
or for teachings. Dana is also our regular monthly pledge
to the Dharma Center and interview donations to Teachers.
Because Teachers have chosen to dedicate their lives to
the practice of sharing the Dharma, they accept whatever
dana is offered. Many teachers traditionally support themselves
solely by the dana given to them by students.
We must understand dana in terms of “practice”.
Dana is the practice of developing the qualities of generosity,
kindness, and letting go. We develop these qualities because
they make fertile ground for liberating wisdom to grow deep
in our hearts.
In awareness practice of generosity, we begin to see how
our lives can be elevated when we bring a conscious awareness
to opportunities to be generous, kind and to let go.
Dana is not a tip, nor is it in exchange for receiving
the Teachings of the Buddha. It is a way in which we can
express gratitude and practice our kindness, generosity
and letting go with awareness.
Generosity and kindness often result from custom, feelings
of guilt or politeness. Taking the opportunity to make “dana”
a practice of awareness, brings generosity out of the realm
of unconscious habit and into the realm of wise attention.
People wonder — What is the “proper” amount
of dana?
- Give what you can feel comfortable and joyful in giving.
- Think about what the value of Dharma and your Teacher
is to you.
- Think about what other things you spend money and time
on, and reflect whether they are truly bringing you lasting
happiness.
- Consider making a “Dharma” budget, so that
Dharma Center support, Teacher support and retreat time
is at the top of your priorities.
- When buying houses, vacations, cars, jewelry, clothes
and electronics, reflect on your Dharma practice and purchase
wisely having your Dharma budget in mind.
People are always encouraged to visit the Dharma Center,
no matter what their ability to contribute. Please feel
free to bring family and friends and as part of their introduction
to your practice you may share with them how the Dharma
Center is supported.
Make donations
to Lion's Roar Dharma Center by credit card via PayPal using
the form below:
(All donations
are tax deductible.)
|
