DANA

Most Show Me Dharma activities¹ and all of the teachings at Show Me Dharma are offered on a dana² basis. Dana is a Pali³ word which means generosity. For over 2500 years these teachings have been offered in a spirit of generosity. Dana makes the teachings available to all who want to hear and practice without putting a price on them.

The tradition of dana also expresses the interdependence of those who teach and those who receive the teaching. Teachers freely give the teachings to students, while the generosity of the students allows the teachers to continue to freely offer the teachings.

This practice of generosity invites us to investigate the experience of giving. As we do so, we begin to see more clearly the fears associated with giving and the joy that arises from a generous act. We also begin to see for ourselves that the joy of generosity supports the development of a settled and concentrated mind, that clinging leads to suffering, and that opening our hearts and letting go support the ability to be present for our lives with serenity and clarity.

Because the teachings are offered in a spirit of generosity and the investigation of generosity is part of this practice, there is no suggested amount of support. We encourage you to experience the good feeling that comes with expressing your generosity. The operation of Show Me Dharma depends totally on the voluntary donations of our community. There are three different ways to offer dana at Show Me Dharma:

1. The Show-Me Dharma Dana Basket [the rectangular basket] is for donations to maintain the sangha, our practice community. Some of this income is paid as rent for our use of our facility, including costs such as utilities, supplies, and property taxes. Other income is used for copying and subscriptions. Any extra funds are set aside to support dharma activities, including scholarships for local retreats. Show Me Dharma is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charitable organization, so contributions to Show Me Dharma may be tax deductible.

2. The teachers provide the Teacher Dana Basket (oval basket) for donations to the teacher who is leading the day's activity. These donations help allow the teachers to devote time to prepare dharma talks or classes. Dana for the teachers is not a contribution to Show Me Dharma and should not be regarded as tax deductible. Dana for the teachers is a gift that expresses one's gratitude for the teachings and for the teachers having devoted their lives to learning and sharing these teachings.

3. You may also support Show Me Dharma by mailing checks to Show-Me Dharma c/o Robert Hodge, Treasurer, 5004 Dustin Ct, Columbia, MO 65203.

Dana is totally voluntary and there is no set amount expected. Remember that dana is not just a donation. It is an important practice to explore. We encourage you to give to the extent that you are able and comfortable, and to experience the interdependence of all beings as you express generosity. If you are unable to give monetary dana at this time, know that your generosity is felt in many other ways as you contribute to the sangha with your presence and commitment.

1. If there are registration fees for Show Me Dharma retreats, the fees cover food, rental, transportation, and other expenses. Any money left over is used to support dharma activities such as the scholarship fund and the costs of operating the meditation center. None of this money goes to the teachers.

2. The first "a" in dana, and in Pali, is pronounced like an extended "ah."