HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE PRACTICE OF DANA

Dana is the practice of generosity. It is the first of the Three Pillars of the Dhamma that the Buddha taught. Our hearts/minds develop fully when we practice each of these pillars with sincerity. These three pillars are all mindfulness practices:

  • Dana - Developing a generous heart thru sharing.
  • Sila - Developing harmony through wise action and wise speech.
  • Bhavana - Developing the mind/heart through meditation.

 

The practice of generosity gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude, to develop qualities of loving kindness, compassion and equanimity, to experience the joy of sharing, and to cultivate non-attachment and greater awareness.

Through our mindful practice of dana, we use wise reflection. We consider our giving in a very thoughtful, careful, and respectful manner. Otherwise, we may give in a hurry-up unconscious way, through habit, or just because it seems to be the custom. When we practice sincerely, it elevates this very important action from a place of mere unconscious habit, to a place of more refined conscious intention.

In this way, we begin to understand with deeper confidence that there is compassion and wisdom developing in our hearts... through compassion and generosity we benefit others, and through wisdom we know that we are also benefiting ourselves by nourishing our own highest spiritual aspirations.

As for the teachers, it is important to know that Kamala and Steve have no umbrella organization totally supporting them. They devote their lives to cultivating and offering the Dhamma, and are solely supported by dana from those who are grateful. Since ancient times, there has existed a tradition of inter-supportive connection between those who offer the Dhamma, and those who receive it.

The Teachings are priceless. No amount can be prescribed for dana. We reflect wisely on our own gratitude, and the value of the Dhamma in our lives. And then we offer what we can to support our community's dhamma teachers so that they are able to live their lives with ease of well-being. In this way, they are able to continue offering their dhamma services to the community.

Through helping others, we are always helping ourselves become better human beings... that's how it works.

Donations are gratefully received and may be sent to Vipassana Metta Foundation, P.O. Box 1188 ,

Kula, HI 96790. Vipassana Metta Foundation is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation. All donations are tax deductible.