About Dana
At Samadhi, we aim to provide a sanctuary of serenity, welcoming all people who wish to explore meditation and Buddhism. As a registered charity, your donations make an invaluable contribution to the running of Samadhi and to the goal of the future Samadhi Retreat Centre. Dana allows us to offer our online activities freely, and keeps charges for in-person events to a minimum, allowing as many as possible to benefit.
Offering is a spiritual practice that diminishes self-centredness and includes the well-being of others in our actions. There is no correct sum to give. The amount depends upon your ability and willingness to give.
What is Dana?
Dana can be translated as cultivating generosity or giving. A lot of time and energy goes into creating a special environment for our activities, but those who lead our group retreats and those work in the background receive no payment for their service. The reason they offer their time freely is because they believe in the power of these teachings and practices to be able to help alleviate people’s mental distress and bring them greater wellbeing.
As an act of both appreciation for the time offered, and out of reverence for the teachings, it is customary for students to contribute financially to the running of the organisation, this is called offering Dana.
What is the Buddhist Dana tradition?
The tradition of Dana in Buddhism is an acknowledgement of our interconnectedness and interdependence. In Asia, monasteries are generously supported by the lay community, and in turn they offer a place of refuge and teaching as well as a whole range of projects dedicated to peace and the relief of anguish. This ancient and rich tradition has sustained the Dharma teachings for more than 2,500 years, since the time of the Buddha, enabling the creation of Retreat Centres, the support of monasteries and a whole range of social and peace practices and projects. It enables teachers to continue teaching and supports the very life and sustainability of the teaching.
That’s how it has been in Asia, but how about the West?
When you come to Samadhi you are benefitting from teachings and an organisation that only exists through the kindness and generosity of those who have been before you.
Our future retreat centre can only come about through the donations of kind students, and will only be able to thrive through the generosity of our volunteer staff. The teachers share this firm commitment to the principle of Dana rather than asking a fee for leading retreats. The fee you pay for a retreat with Samadhi enables us to cover the costs of running the event, and anything left over goes straight into our yearly programme and the Samadhi Retreat Centre fund.
If you’re receiving an error, you can make an offering here instead.
Become a Samadhi Supporter
Samadhi Supporters make an significant contribution to the running of our activities, enabling us to reach more and more people and supporting the goal of the future Samadhi Eco Retreat Centre. By donating a fixed amount every month, you help us cover our ongoing fees, keep everything online for free, lower the costs of courses & retreats, and fundraise for the retreat centre. In exchange for your monthly donation, you get access to a variety of resources. Find out more.
