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THE PRACTICE OF DANA (GENEROSITY)

"Good is giving, friend!
Even when there’s little, giving is good.
When done with faith too, giving is good;
The gift of what has been acquired honestly is also good.
And further, giving with discernment too is good."

- Buddha, Samyutta-Nikaya


• Read an article by Venerable Chodron on the meaning of dana

• Listen to Venerable Chodron speak on "The Joy of Generosity (Dana)"

• Read "Delight in Giving", a reflection by a happy donor

In a world where success is often measured by one’s wealth, we at Sravasti Abbey endeavor to live a life of generosity and simplicity. We dedicate ourselves to learning the Buddha’s teachings, practicing them earnestly, and offering them to others. The Buddha’s teachings are priceless; we received them freely from our teachers. Thus, we do not charge a fee for the teachings we give or for the food and accommodations shared with our guests.

We trust that people will value our way of life and our work, and will respond generously in return. In order to survive and continue in our service to the Buddhist community and to the Dharma, we depend on your help for our daily necessities—food, clothing, shelter, and health care — and to meet our monthly expenses. We also need equipment for Dharma work within a modern society. Together with the lay community, we will buy land and build facilities — meditation hall, library, monastic residences, and guest house — where all of us can study and practice the Buddha’s teaching.

Our choosing to give to and receive from others in a spirit of mutual generosity, respect, and care follows the age-old system that the Buddha established, in which the lay and monastic sanghas live interdependently, each contributing what they could so that all could learn and practice his teachings.


YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO THE ABBEY WILL…

  • Establish a monastic training community in the USA.
  • Provide the opportunity for male and female Buddhist monastics to live, study, practice, and teach as equals.
  • Spread the Buddha’s teachings in a country where Dharma centers are few and far between.


Dana or generosity is an essential part of Dharma practice repeatedly praised by the Buddha. Giving freely with a kind motivation supports the spread of Buddhadharma for the benefit of all beings. It brings us happiness now and creates the conditions for favorable future births and for enlightenment. It counteracts the greed and selfishness that cause suffering. Our generosity encourages generosity in others, which is conducive to a caring, happy, and prosperous society. Through our practice of dana we diminish clinging to “me” and “mine” and create great positive potential, which enables us to develop spiritual realizations.

You can help in many ways. Some people wish to give regular donations to provide for the ongoing support of the Abbey. We appreciate this for it enables us to plan realistically. Others like to give when they are moved to do so. All generosity is part of our Dharma practice, for it helps us to open our hearts and feel delight in giving.

Durable items such as furniture, computers, kitchen ware, building supplies, and tools will be happily accepted. Please call to make sure we need them, however.

Thank you for your kind support, which enables us to sustain our lives and share the Dharma with you. Whatever form your generosity takes, we gratefully commit ourselves to using it wisely and for the good of the greater community.

YES, I want to contribute! ¡SÍ, quiero contribuir!

 
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