Dana, or generosity, is one of the pillars of Buddhist teaching and Vipassana meditation practice, in the sense that it is a prerequisite, just like morality, sila. Both are forms of training, in the sense that we commit ourselves to developing them along the path. Right concentration, and therefore the wisdom that liberates, cannot be developed without these two factors and, as wisdom develops and we understand the value of the Dhamma, it becomes natural to develop these qualities, as well as Metta and the Brahma-Viharas. All these are qualities inherent in human beings, who apply right effort to cultivate the mind rather than giving in to lower instincts associated with mental defilements.
Through practice and understanding the reality of phenomena, appreciation and gratitude arise, and we can allow ourselves to acknowledge and express them: this is an important part of Dhamma practice. The gift of the Dhamma is greater than all other gifts. We are aware that we have received such a great gift, and therefore we have a strong desire for others to benefit from it as well.
This means making our time and resources available so that others too may understand and develop these values. More generally, we can then extend these generous behaviors into our lives and society.
But let us remain within a more specific context: a meditation center such as Pian dei Ciliegi. A meditation center could not survive without Dana, because there is a great deal of work to be done and, since we are not talking about a company, we do not have permanent paid employees.
When you come to attend a retreat, you are not receiving a “service”, and the “special fee” you pay as members to participate in the retreat is only what is needed to cover all expenses: the costs of running the Center, food and administrative expenses, teachers’ travel expenses, costs related to spreading the teachings, compensation for the staff who take care of the retreats, etc.
Of course, this fee would not be enough without a great deal of volunteer work and the generosity of those who make donations. The retreat participation fee is kept as low as possible to allow as many people as possible to participate.
Although in our society we are accustomed to assessing the value of something according to its price, this is not the case here: there is no profit motive, the value of a retreat should not be assessed according to its “price”, and you are not “paying” for the retreat because, as we have said, the value of the Dhamma is immeasurable.
Making a donation means helping the Center continue its activities; contributing to the development of the Center and the Sangha and to the spreading of the teachings goes beyond a simple act of generosity: it means recognizing the value of what is offered to us and expressing gratitude.
We are often asked how much one should give. There is no answer to this question. You have to feel it in your heart and give according to your means. Knowing how to express gratitude, allowing yourself to express it, means putting your ability to let go to the test and observing your resistance to parting with what you possess. Generosity creates positive kamma.
Although, by following the instructions provided on the website, you can make a donation to the Center at any time, the best time to express appreciation and gratitude, first and foremost towards the teachers and then towards the Center that made this event possible, is certainly at the end of a retreat.
We remind you that traditionally monks who dedicate their lives to spiritual practice and to preserving and sharing spiritual values are supported by the lay community, while for lay teachers the situation is more complex because they do not have a monastery of reference that provides for their basic needs and often, despite having the same needs as everyone else, they do not have a secure income and live on the offerings – Dana – they receive through the teachings they provide. They dedicate their time to studying the Dhamma and to practice in order to convey its deepest meaning with great dedication and generosity.
It is important to understand this situation and ensure that this commitment is properly recognized and supported so that they are able to continue their work, bearing in mind that the teachings cannot and should not be provided for a fee. The lay community needs to take on this responsibility.
In conclusion, we therefore feel it is important to emphasize these fundamental principles:
Feeling gratitude – Allowing ourselves to express it – Putting our resistance to letting go of what we have to the test.
