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Helping Shasta Abbey and The Practice of Dana
Click here for our Year End Report.
Click here for our Donation Form.
Since the time of the Buddha, a relationship of mutual aid and trust has endured between the laity and the monastic members of the Buddhist Sangha. This depth of commitment to help each other is what enables Buddhism to survive and grow.
As monks we try to practice the Dharma as purely as possible and we offer to share
the Dharma through teaching, encouragement and example. We live in and maintain
our monastery as a place of quiet refuge for all those who would like to join in our training.
Traditionally in order to help the monks continue to deepen their training and offer
the Dharma, the laity offer alms and receive instruction on how to put the Dharma into
practice to benefit themselves and the world.
The practice of dana in the Sangha dates back to the time of the Buddha. Dana
is a Pali word which translates as generosity of spirit, giving and receiving from
heart to heart. The Buddha in his wisdom purposely set up a practice of direct
interchange and interdependence between monastics and the lay Sangha. He saw
the reciprocal respect and kindness which develops between members of the
Sangha, and thus created the practice of dana to assist each of us in making our
training a success. Whether we live the homeless life of monks or the life of a
householder, generosity makes the heart grow brighter.
There really can be no price put on the Buddha Dharma. Thus, we at Shasta Abbey have
chosen not to have fees or even suggested donation amounts. We make an
offering of the teaching, and provide a training refuge, putting our faith in the
practice of dana.
Shasta Abbey truly lives and functions through lay financial support which provides the
traditional "four requisites" of food, lodging, robes, and medicine for monks.
Click here for our Offering Food...A Buddhist Tradition
.
Your
donations allow us to maintain the monastery as a place you can retreat to. We are situated on 16 forested acres with many buildings to maintain. We currently are building a much-needed
new residence for monks. Click here for more information about The Bodhidharma Hall.
Your generosity supports Shasta Abbey in myriad ways. It is an expression of your trust in
the Buddha's way. Through mutual giving and receiving, all of us benefit. Along with
financial support, your material offerings, offerings of your skills, professional services, and time are deeply appreciated.
Click here for our Information on Bequests, or gifts by will..
As monks, we extend our alms bowl and trust that, if our practice is done with a
pure heart, you will respond from your hearts in a way that is appropriate. Living in
this way we are liberated to keep our practice true to the source. We hope you find
a similar freedom in practicing dana with us.
Because we are a 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation, your donations are tax deductible.
Thank you for your kindness and compassion.
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