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Dating back around 2500 years, Dharma teachings have been offered in the spirit of generosity. This tradition, called Dana, helps evoke a feeling of joy and a deepening understanding of our interconnectedness.

Sometimes, when we’re invited to someone’s house for coffee or dinner, we might also take a gift or contribution. There’s joy in the exchange; we’re not buying dinner! We both joyfully give our gifts and we both receive with love. Unlike usual buying and selling, Dana helps open our hearts to each other, both so we can give and also receive the generosity of others. 

Back in history and even today, nuns, monks and spiritual teachers receive all kinds of Dana including support with living needs, clothes and food. Imagine thousands of years ago people arriving in crowds to listen to the Buddha’s teachings; some with fruit or home cooked food, others with animals or cloth or jewels. The value really wasn’t important; the feeling of sharing, appreciation and generosity within the circumstance of each person’s life was the shared spirit.

For lay teachers today this set up isn’t really feasible. As much as we love these kinds of Dana, it’s not practical to have students turn up with animals! Myself and other Dharma teachers offer much of our time and teachings freely, and rely on voluntary donations for part or all of our livelihood. When we enter into this ancient tradition, we enter into the stream of Dharma, dating back thousands of years and hopefully continuing long into the future. Students have long supported teachers to spread and teach Dharma and I have a deep wish to continue this beautiful and inclusive tradition.

Thank you all, wholeheartedly, for your kind and wonderful donations. Please never be embarrassed by the amount; a tiny sum given with a lot of love is more radical than you know.