FREEWILL DONATIONS
Portland Friends of the Dhamma is supported through dana, which in Pali means generous giving.
Practically speaking, we could not exist without the freewill donations that supply us with food, soap and candles as well as all utilities and the costs incurred when we host monastics.
Monthly donations are especially appreciated, as the regularity helps to stabilize our financial responsibilities. Whether or not you can give to Portland Friends of the Dhamma today, we hope you find a way to give often in your life — the benefits are truly amazing. As Ajahn Chah would say, “Try it out, see for yourself!”
“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.”
“That me and mine position which demands that we be recognized and noted for our importance, takes over everything. It all gets very tiring. Ajahn Sumedho has said, “Whenever I think of myself I feel depressed.” It’s such a great line. When dana is the center of life, instead of me and my needs, there is no need to be depressed. There is relief and release rather than anxiety and obsession. Dana is a dramatically different focal point. The perspective changes to “What can I give?”
The Buddha said, “If beings knew, as I know, the results of giving & sharing, they would not eat without having given.“
We hope you give often and receive gracefully everywhere in your life, and if you can, we invite you help support Portland Friends of the Dhamma.
Portland Friends of the Dhamma gives a tremendous resource to the community, and many people benefit. For people that do have resources, you’re not really asking, but giving people the opportunity to support something really useful.