Considering our roles in Sangha.
In considering our personal roles in the sangha, we would like to reflect upon on our views of Dana. Dana is not simply the offering of money. It is comprised of our presence, our gifts of time, kindness, labor, food, samu (work practice), and intentions in our practice… and more.
The word Dana is a Sanskrit and Pali word which means giving something unconditionally with an open heart. It is an ancient practice in Buddhism for cultivating generosity. Dana or generosity in Buddhism is the foundation of Buddhist practice.
In Buddhism, an act of giving encourages us to examine our attachments, our greed and exposes our mental formations that work to sabotage our innate generosity. When we practice acts of dana we begin to dissolve greed and attachment and attain a more compassionate view.
It is easy to give away the things that we don’t want and that may be convenient or easy, but giving our time and of things of value not only helps the recipients (the Sangha), but it also loosens our grip in the world of desire. When we give something without seeking anything this leads it to the greater spiritual wellbeing of each our us and our sangha.
Schedule:
Monday, 6:30AM, Zazen at The Teahouse with David opening
Tuesday, 7PM, Dream Koan, at the Tea House or Zoom
Wednesday, 6:30AM, Zazen at the Tea House or Zoom with Zenho Sensei
Thursday, 6:30, Vajrakilaya Sadhana, In person at the Tea House
Friday, 6:30AM, Zazen at The Tea House with Victor opening.
Your radiant presence is a profound blessing to one another.
Deep peace, great love and unity,
Issan & Zenho
No Gate Zen Center 