Donations (Dana)
Please consider making a one-time donation of any amount. Thank you.
| Donate with PayPal | Donate with a Check |
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Please make check out to BHZC and mail to: Blue Heron Zen Community Please include a note on the check that it is “For Dana” |
We also gladly accept the donation of securities (stocks, bonds, ETFs, etc.), which may provide an additional tax benefit to the donor. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this, or other giving options.
Retreat Fees and Dana
We charge a basic rate for retreats of $25 for members and $35 for non-members per day. This covers the basic facility costs. In addition, we request that students contribute a modest amount of Dana to the teacher(s) at the retreat.
The Dharma is free. The value of the Dharma is infinite.
Waking up to the Dharma is not difficult; also it is not easy.
How then, can we give thanks for these Dharma teachings?
KATZ!
Bowing, we express our gratitude for the bright mirror wisdom
we have just received.
Importance of Dana: Dana is one of our core Buddhist practices. From the beginning of the original sangha, monks went on daily alms rounds. If they came to a house and were turned away, they had to go back to that same house the next day. At times, that may have been uncomfortable for both parties, but it reinforced that this practice is not so much about two individuals, but recognizing the fluid nature of generosity and gratitude.
Who is giving? Who is receiving? If we wake up to the truth of this moment, we can see for ourselves that the universe is fully open, generous and free-flowing without reservation. The first step is to be aware that we’re already on the receiving end of vast unlimited gifts. So dana is the practice of seeing that truth, and responding in kind.
Students may wish to offer gifts as an expression of gratitude for our teachers’ offering of the Dharma. Since we wish to avoid any undue influence that dana might have on the essential student-teacher relationship, all dana intended for the teachers will be received anonymously. Teachers who receive dana are Zen Masters Jeong Ji and Jeong Bong. Senior Dharma Teachers and Dharma Teachers do not receive dana.
Dana can be added as an additional amount to your retreat fee payment, and it will be split between the teachers leading the retreat. If you wish to write a check, it should be made out to “Blue Heron Zen Community.” Please write “For Dana” on the check. Dana can also be donated through non-monetary means such as service to the Zen Center; additional vows and commitments, or writings to the teacher.
Furthermore, in the spirit of our Temple Rules, teachers will accept what is offered with gratitude. They do not seek gain, but accept what is offered as a means to sustain themselves in their teaching practice. Therefore, dana beyond a modest amount, is discouraged.
Blue Heron Zen Community can reduce fees for long retreats and cases of financial hardship.
If you have any questions about donations, please contact us.