New – Memorials and Honoria

The Practice of Giving & Receiving

DANA

Material goods, the teachings.
Both are perfectly complete offerings,
the value of which cannot be measured.
Perfection of Giving (Dana Paramita)
is a means sufficient to permeate
the entire Dharma World
with equal benefit

In Asia, Buddhist monks chant this verse to appreciate a gift received. It describes the term dana (generosity), which in Buddhism is one of the six practices of perfection. Generosity as a practice of perfection means giving that is not tainted. Whenever material goods or teachings are given without expectation or attachment, the result is that the purity of the action permeates life beyond what we can imagine. This is the kind of giving we cultivate through spiritual practice.

A monk’s practice is to teach and embody the Dharma for all, regardless of feelings of  like or dislike, without expecting any particular result. This can be done by practice, speaking, or chanting sutras.

In sharing in this practice, lay practitioners can offer food, money, or whatever they can  freely to  the temple or monk. This is another way to support the Dharma. Giving either material goods or teachings helps us to perfect the practice of  Dana. In this way, when we give we can do it purely,  free of expectations or judgments.

Teijo writes her experience in  practice of dana  on her blog...Read More

About Great Tree

Great Tree Temple is supported solely by contributions and fees.  If you would like to actively support Great Tree you might consider becoming a member or making a pledge.

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Find out more at Practice Support Fund working help others continuing practice,  education in Japan and help sustain ongoing residency programs  atGreat Tree.

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Deep Appreciation

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