Supporting Lion's Roar Dharma Center
~ The Practice of Dana ~

Temple support is called Dana (pronounced Dah-na) and 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.

People wonder ~ What is the “proper” amount of dana?

• Give what temple support 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.