Kagyu Sukha Chöling

Dana is the practice of making offerings. It originates from the time of the Buddha. In the case of dana on retreat, we are making offerings in appreciation for having access to authentic teachings and teachers. At a first glance it might appear that dana is a transactional exchange between teacher and student, as if the student were paying for something received. Of course, there is a way in which this is true, but there is a more profound and deeper meaning.
When dana is offered, the student accumulates merit, which clears obstacles and creates the causes and conditions for the student to practice in this and future lives. Though the teacher or the dharma institution will benefit in worldly ways if the gift is one of money or time, we could accurately say the student is a primary beneficiary of their own generosity. It is a win-win proposition. In an immediate sense, through this gift, the teacher can continue to teach, the dharma center can continue to exist. They will be there when the student is ready.
At a deeper level, the meaning of the practice of dana is to give without strings attached. At this level of practice, one gives without concern for recognition or reward. Ultimately, one gives without the experience of self or other, completely free of the three spheres – giver, receiver and act of giving. At this level, we accumulate wisdom in addition to the merit.
What does one give? Ideally one shows gratitude for meeting the teacher or receiving the teachings by putting the teachings into practice, as much and as often as possible. In the relative world, this is the greatest gift. To the degree that one cannot practice full-time, they should do their best to support the ongoing presence of the dharma by giving energy and money to those who teach and practice, as well as to those projects which promise to provide facilities and support for practitioners in the future.
Not everyone has the time or inclination to practice enough to give themselves a sense of having given at a level that reflects the depth of their gratitude or the intention of their practice. Some, in this case, will give money or other material wealth. Anything precious is appropriate. The choice of currency used to express one’s gratitude is very personal. The act of giving – or not giving – and the gift itself are private matters. Receivers, especially, should not concern themselves with such matters. Like all practice, offering is best done as secretly as possible, to protect ourselves from pride, arrogance or regret.
In Buddhism, dana and generosity in general are not a moral edict, but are instead a key piece of the path, done with the most awareness one can muster. There is no particular amount, there is no particular way in which the giving is done. According to the Mahayana tradition, and the path of the Bodhisattva, it is most important to give while holding the simple intention to benefit all beings.
Lama Michael Conklin
Kagyu Changchub Chuling
Portland, Oregon
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