Teacher Dana

The Tradition of Dāna:
The Practice of Generosity

At the heart of Buddhist practice lies the ancient tradition of dāna, or generosity. Rooted in the teachings of the Buddha, dāna is a foundational practice that encourages the cultivation of an open heart and the offering of support without expectation of return. This profound act of giving creates a reciprocal relationship between the giver, the recipient, and the wider community—nurturing interdependence and mutual care.

In Buddhist cultures, dāna has long sustained the transmission of the teachings (Dharma) and supported those who dedicate their lives to sharing wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness with others. For over 2,500 years, it has been the spirit of generosity that has ensured the continuity of the Dharma, from the time of the Buddha to the present day.

The word dana means generosity or giving. When we practiced in Asia, the teachings were always offered freely, but the Asian system was also a monastic system where the householders were responsible for everything the teacher needed. When we came here, at first we thought, maybe everything should be free, just like it was in Burma…but we had to provide health insurance for everybody. So we tried to create a system that would honor the roots of what we had been given in Asia but was realistic in the West…The system is totally dependent on people’s generosity.

The Role of Dāna at BCBS

At BCBS, dāna remains a core part of our tradition. Our teachers embody the spirit of offering their wisdom and guidance freely, relying on the support of the community to sustain their livelihoods.

Following the traditional Buddhist model, BCBS program fees do not include compensation for teachers, though we reimburse them for travel and other basic costs. Some of our teachers live only on freely offered dāna contributions as a life practice, an inspiring, counter-cultural way of life.

At the end of your program, you will be invited to make a tax-deductible donation to the teacher(s).

By giving, you join this living tradition—helping ensure that the teachings remain available to all, regardless of financial circumstance.

Your generosity directly supports the teachers who bring the Dharma to life at BCBS, allowing them to continue sharing their knowledge, cultivating compassion, and guiding others on the path to awakening

Why Your Support Matters

The teachings at BCBS are invaluable, offering practical wisdom for navigating life’s challenges and cultivating inner peace. By supporting our teachers through dāna, you help to preserve these teachings for future generations while supporting the well-being of those who dedicate their lives to offering the Dharma.

Your contributions:

Help sustain the livelihood of our teachers, allowing them to focus on sharing their deep knowledge and experience with others.
Ensure that BCBS can offer diverse teachings to a wide audience, regardless of their ability to pay.
Foster the continuity of the Dharma, making it possible for future students to benefit from these transformative teachings.

An Invitation to Practice Generosity

We invite you to be a part of this sacred tradition. Whether you have benefited from a retreat, a talk, or a course, offering dāna is a way to express your gratitude and deepen your practice of generosity. Each gift, no matter the size, contributes to a ripple of kindness and supports the community of practice.

Support our teachers today by offering dāna, and join us in preserving and spreading the wisdom of the Dharma for generations to come.

Deepening Practice,
Building Community.

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Located in Central Massachusetts