DANA – GENEROSITY – MERIT
The Delights of Dana
Exactly what is dana? How do we cultivate this quality of giving, generosity, liberality and munificence? There are many different translations of the word dana. It is the quality of generosity that gives physically and from the heart. Hearts with dana are generous, open-handed, and liberal in terms of willingness to give, share, to be present and to help. All of those qualities take us away from me and my needs, me and my necessities, me and my demands, me and my expectations, me and my essential fixed residence in the middle of the universe.
—Luang Por Pasanno
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Ways to Give
A special thanks to all who set up a monthly contribution. Know that your support offers us the most sustainable way to plan future programs, events and those wonderful monastic visits!.
Generosity: Dana
We are a 501(c)3 organization that has been supported by free-will donations, or dana, since 2000. We don’t charge for classes, programs, or teachings. Our space is available to anyone who has a sincere interest in practicing the Dhamma, learning meditation, or drawing near to the community and the monastics in our lineage.
Integrity: Sila
Our teachers and core practitioners are grounded in the Buddha’s precepts for laypeople. Everyone with a sincere interest in the Dhamma is welcome, yet over time, many find they want to refine their practice to include sila.
Development: Bhavana
Our classes are rooted in the ancient teachings of the Buddha, the noble eightfold path, and the development of a sincere and lifelong meditation practice.
Those who are inspired to support Portland Friends of the Dhamma into the future, and make these offerings available to those who come after us, we appreciate your generosity, and are happy to be offering something you wish to support.
Don’t be afraid to make merit. Merit is another word for happiness.
—The Buddha
Merit is like a stool held in place with three legs: dana (generosity), sila (integrity), and bhavana (cultivation of the practice). And it is the basis for everything we do at Portland Friends of the Dhamma.