A Note from the AZG Board to Raise Consciousness on the Practice of Dana

Dana Paramita refers to the practice of generosity. It is one of the six perfections (Paramitas) that a Bodhisattva strives to cultivate in the process of awakening. Dana Paramita is not just about giving material things; it’s about cultivating a mindset of generosity that is free from expectation of reward. While material giving – often in the form of money – is part of it, Dana Paramita also involves giving of one’s time, energy, and even the gift of loving-kindness and compassion. There is, of course, benefit to the receiver of your dana. It is also true that the activity of giving supports the giver in reducing their tendency toward greed or self-clinging. Dana, being first on the list of the Bodhisattva’s Perfections, is seen as a fundamental practice for ethical and spiritual development. 

• You may like to offer dana generally to AZG (beyond any contributions you already make) to support a particular program or event. You can do this by using the Paypal button on the website or by putting money in the box in the zendo entryway with a note indicating that this donation is for a specific activity.

• When there are guest teachers, you may like to offer dana (as a gift of money) as an acknowledgement of the great effort the teacher has made to travel here, setting aside time for you, preparing a talk for you which naturally draws upon their many years of selfless effort. You can do this by asking the host for the guest teacher’s Venmo, or by giving money for the host to relay to the guest teacher.

• For the teacher in residence, you may like to offer dana as an expression of gratitude for a particularly effortful time or as an appreciation for a teaching that was especially helpful to you. You can do this by using the Paypal button on the website or by putting money in the box in the zendo entryway indicating that this donation is for your teacher.