Dana/Donate
Edmonton Insight Meditation (EIM) is a registered not-for-profit society that relies on the financial support (dana) of the community (sangha) for all of its programming and organizational needs. We do not charge admission to our events, nor do our teachers bill for their time. We have no paid employees. All funds collected are either passed on to our teachers or returned to the organization to support future programming.
Two ways to contribute financially:
e-Transfer (CAD), to edmontoninsight@gmail.com. Please specify “dana to EIM” or “dana for (teacher’s name”)
PayPal (CAD), using the link below
Dana
Dana (pronounced “DAH-nuh”), is often translated from the Pali to mean gift, or generosity. Dana is considered to be one of the highest Buddhist virtues and is a spiritual practice in itself. To practice dana is to donate money, time or other resources to the teachers of the teachings and the groups that provide opportunities to learn and practice.
By giving of our money, time or other resources, we acknowledge the interconnectedness of all beings. Dana is a gratitude and heart practice that promotes warmth, connection and love.
The roots of dana
Traditionally, in the East, the teachings of the Buddha were considered priceless. Monks in the community were forbidden to even touch coins. Monks shared their teaching and caregiving freely and in turn were fed and housed through the donations of the householders. This ancient tradition of dana has been kept and treasured as a meaningful and beneficial practice and has become central to the Buddhist practice of many modern groups in the West.
Paying it forward
EIM is committed to inclusion and works very hard to ensure our events are accessible to everyone regardless of income. We ask those with more resources to donate generously and those with fewer resources to contribute in ways that don’t hurt their well-being.
When you donate money to EIM you are making it possible for others to share in the teachings and community in the future. Donating to EIM is a way to “pay it forward” so others may share in the merits of your practice.
How much is the right amount?
If you are struggling with how much to donate, consider your own needs and circumstances as well as your desire to share and be generous. Donating your rent money leaving you homeless would not be a compassionate or wise act. Consider how you spend your money elsewhere and evaluate how important the teachings and the community is to you. Experiment - notice how you feel when you give very generously, notice how you feel when your donation is more modest. EIM welcomes donations from $1 to $10,000. Dana is one important way you can gain insight into your grasping and clinging mind and is a loving opportunity to join in the efforts for peace, equity and freedom for all beings.