I teach under the dana system, the dana being a donation to support the teacher in his or her work.

Here’s a simple explanation:

Since the time of Buddha there has been a tradition that those who teach the Dharma are supported directly by their community. In Asia, where it is understood that the practice of generosity (dana) forms the bedrock of spiritual practice, this tradition has evolved into a system where the interdependence of the teachers and their community is implicit.

People often ask for guidelines concerning dana. The Dharma is a way of life and path of liberation that is priceless, so how can one possibly be guided? There is no obligation to give. When the gift of the Dharma is experienced as precious there is a reciprocal opportunity to participate generously in the support of the teacher and teachings.

One guideline is perhaps: “to give until your heart feels full, to do your utmost to return what has been given.” One may also seek guidance by looking at the fees that are charged for similar events or workshops in our culture. Evening events and lectures commonly cost $15 and even movies now cost $7.50. Leaders of workshops are typically paid $30-$50 per person per day. Some itinerant Tibetan teachers charge each person $25 for an evening and $100 per day.

The decision of what to give is deeply personal. Those with lesser means are free to contribute less, and those with greater means may offer more according to the direction of their heart.

The practice of dana invites us to reflect upon what is really important to us. When we have benefited from the teachings we may direct some portion of our financial resources to support the Dharma. We are invited to transcend our capitalist-materialist conditioning which requires that we “get the best deal at the lowest possible price.” Capitalism encourages us to seek happiness through the satisfaction of desires. Dana provides us the opportunity to realize that true happiness arises with non-attachment.

Donations are via PayPal’s secure payment system.