Dana Means Generosity:

The giving of service, the giving of financial support

In his teaching to the lay community, the Buddha emphasized the practices of dana or generosity, lovingkindness, and ethical conduct through non-harming as the most important vehicles for training the heart and mind in this very life.  As in his time, and continuing to the present day, the teachings are offered freely to anyone who expresses interest.

Vermont Insight Meditation Center (VIMC) endeavors to continue this tradition from ancient times. And, the realities of operating and maintaining a meditation center in modern times are challenging. By supporting the Center financially and/or by contributing your time and talent as a volunteer, you can help us meet the challenge and continue a tradition that dates back 2,500 years.  We depend on your support both in service and in donations to keep our center a vibrant and responsive organization.  VIMC has no paid staff, and is run solely by volunteers.  Our Board of Directors is essentially a working Board, taking on the monthly organizational decisions and action steps.  Our financial support comes from those of you who value what the Center offers.  Teachers at VIMC receive no salary and are supported by teacher dana.

The practice of dana is an integral part of the spiritual path. Generosity is one of the ten paramis, or qualities of character, to be developed and perfected by the Dharma practitioner over many lifetimes. The act of giving not only benefits the receiver, but also opens the heart of the giver and acknowledges the interconnectedness of all beings.

In keeping with this practice of dana, it is therefore, equally if not more important to cultivate the heart and mind of generosity while one is in the midst of giving.  The intention or the quality of the heart and mind with which one gives is the very place where the spiritual path and compassionate action come together.  In this way, the smallest act of generosity or the largest act of generosity hold equal ground in the field of benefit that is cultivated by the donor.

We at Vermont Insight are grateful for the dana we receive in support of the Center and our teachers.  We are inspired by how beautifully Dharma practice develops when it is cultivated in a field of generosity and gratitude.

All donations are tax-deductible.

Vermont Insight Meditation Center is a 501(C)(3) organization.

Ways to Donate

Online: The links below are an opportunity for one-time or recurring donations through PayPal. For a one-time donation, you may use either a PayPal account or credit card. A recurring monthly donation will require that a PayPal account be used to manage the subscription—a process that is quick, easy, and secure.

 

Teacher Dana : $10.00 – monthly Teacher Dana : $15.00 – monthly Teacher Dana : $25.00 – monthly Teacher Dana : $50.00 – monthly Teacher Dana : $75.00 – monthly Teacher Dana : $100.00 – monthly

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VIMC Expenses : $10.00 – monthly VIMC Expenses : $15.00 – monthly VIMC Expenses : $25.00 – monthly VIMC Expenses : $50.00 – monthly VIMC Expenses : $75.00 – monthly VIMC Expenses : $100.00 – monthly

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By Check: Please make checks payable to Vermont Insight Meditation Center and mail to:

Vermont Insight Meditation Center
P.O. Box 792
Brattleboro, Vermont 05302-0972

When mailing your check, please indicate if funds are to go to: Teacher Dana or VIMC Expenses. If applicable, specify teacher(s) or percentage amount if donating to more than one category.

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In Person: There are a donation bowls at all Vermont Insight events. There are two bowls, one for Teacher Dana and the other for VIMC Expenses. You may donate by cash or check. If you write a check you may designate a percentage to each if you’d like.