The fee you pay for the retreat covers lodging, food and the costs of putting on the retreat (which is essentially the teacher’s plane ticket – our coordination team is entirely volunteer). Nothing from our registration fees will go to Dave Smith.
As per the instruction of the Buddha, these teachings are not valued at a price or traded in a kind of commercial exchange. Dharma teachers offer the teachings freely and are supported by the practice of dāna (Dah-nah) – voluntary, anonymous gifts of gratitude and generosity from the students. There is no specified or suggested amount; we each give what feels right to us, given our circumstances and inclination of the heart.
Teachers make a leap of faith with every retreat, offering their wisdom, compassion, time and life energies with no expectation of receiving anything in return. As lay teachers (not supported by a monastery), they have expenses as we do: housing costs, health care, food, utilities, transportation, etc. It’s also important to understand that there are no “hidden patrons” or benevolent foundations to support of lay Dharma teachers. It is solely the responsibility of those of us who value their teachings to sustain them through offering dāna. This dana practice has sustained the spread of the dharma for 2600 years.
Dana for Tempel will be collected at the end of the retreat and go directly to him. Please plan to bring cash or a check to the Bbar to make this offering. His PayPal account will also be provided if you would like to submit Dana electronically.
When you give dana of any kind – to the BIC sangha, the Dharma Center or to a teacher –consider taking a moment to connect with your gratitude or intentions for wisdom and compassion to flourish in the world. In that way, the dana practice cultivates a generous heart, brings us happiness, and connects us to the innumerable noble beings who have walked this path.
May your generosity sustain the teachings and bring you joy!
