Dana -
The practice of giving is universally recognized as one of the most basic human virtues, a quality that testifies to the depth of one's humanity and one's capacity for self-transcendence. In the teaching of the Buddha, too, the practice of giving claims a place of special eminence, one which singles it out as being in a sense the foundation and seed of spiritual development. In the Pali suttas we read time and again that "talk on giving" (danakatha) was invariably the first topic to be discussed by the Buddha in his "graduated exposition" of the Dhamma. Whenever the Buddha delivered a discourse to an audience of people who had not yet come to regard him as their teacher, he would start by emphasizing the value of giving. Only after his audience had come to appreciate this virtue would he introduce other aspects of his teaching, such as morality, the law of kamma, and the benefits in renunciation, and only after all these principles had made their impact on the minds of his listeners would he expound to them that unique discovery of the Awakened Ones, the Four Noble Truths.
By Bhikkhu Bodhi. "Dana: The Practice of Giving", selected essays edited by Bhikkhu Bodhi. Access to Insight (version 2013.12.02.17). |
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Ways to Give
Our practice is to foster generosity by encouraging participants to give freely. Maidstone Buddhist Group operates on a ‘dana’ basis – the unsolicited giving by participants according to their ability – as mentioned in other articles. We will continue to make the costs of our events known so that each person can give as they are able to. In order to cover the cost of room hire at the Friends Meeting House, the dana bowl will be available on our Tuesday meetings and our Practice Days and other gatherings. The recommended donation per session (in order to cover the cost of room hire) are listed below:-
- £6 if you are in employment.
- £3 if you are not in employment.
- £6 if you are in employment.
- £3 if you are not in employment.
Members of the group do not charge for facilitating our Tuesday evening meetings, Days of Practice and Retreats. These reflections and teachings are freely offered in the spirit of dana (generosity). However our events do incur certain costs, such as room-hire, and for the travelling expenses of visiting teachers.
Because of the expense of venue hire we do make a charge for residential retreats and Days of Practice. A non-returnable deposit is requested in order to secure a place. However we believe no-one should feel unable to attend a retreat because of financial difficulties, and aim to offer subsidised places where appropriate.
Because of the expense of venue hire we do make a charge for residential retreats and Days of Practice. A non-returnable deposit is requested in order to secure a place. However we believe no-one should feel unable to attend a retreat because of financial difficulties, and aim to offer subsidised places where appropriate.
Donations via Cheque
Donations can be made by cheque. Please make cheques payable to: ‘Maidstone Buddhist Group’.
