NOTE ON DANA
A NOTE ON DANA
“Generosity brings happiness at every stage of its expression. We experience joy in forming the intention to be generous. We experience joy in the actual act of giving something. And we experience joy in remembering the fact that we have given.” ~ The Buddha
Our Tara Mandala Bay Area community is a co-arising of
generosity and compassion that embodies the tradition of dana. Dana is
understood in the Pali language as "spontaneous generosity of the
heart.” The Buddha identified generosity, or sharing what we have, as
one of the Six Paramitas, or Perfections, making it a central pillar of
spiritual life.
In Tibetan Buddhism, there is a concept of tendrel or “auspicious interdependence” which describes the special relationship that is formed between teachers and their students. Traditionally, after a transmission or teaching, in order to create good tendrel and to reflect appreciation for the preciousness of what they have received, offerings are made on the part of the student to the teacher. The teachers for our programs offer their time and teaching without pay. They are only financially compensated by what participants offer to them.
Another important benefit of dana, or generosity is the Tara Mandala Bay Area Sangha’s ability to contribute to scholarship support for students of Lama Tsultrim Allione. Through this we form tendrel with each other in the sangha and other Vajrayana practitioners in the SF Bay Area. Your contribution makes all the difference.
The Tara Mandala Bay Area Sangha is sustained through numerous acts of generosity by those who participate in our programs and practices. It is through contributions of time and money that the local sangha is able to do the following:
· Host Dharma teachers and retreats
· Publish a monthly newsletter of practice opportunities and upcoming teachings
· Secure space to host practices and teachings
· Broadcast practice sessions and teachings online
· Maintain our Website
· Provide scholarships each year to attend retreats at Tara Mandala Retreat Center in
Colorado
· Cover incidental costs such as making copies of practice texts and prayers
To make a tax deductible donation
All of the above are sustained through what the Tara Mandala Bay Area Sangha receives by way of Registration Fees. This is separate from offerings made to the teacher (Teacher Dana).
Contact the Tara Mandala Bay Area Sangha
to find out how you can support our community:
sfbay@taramandala.org