“If beings knew, as I know, the results of giving and sharing, they would not eat without having given, nor would the stain of selfishness overcome their minds. Even it were their last bite, their last mouthful, they would not eat without having shared, if there were someone to receive their gift.” ~ ltivuttaka 26
The Buddha taught that dana (generosity) is the first of the parami (perfections). It is the foundation for the practice of the remaining parami—all of which culminate in a calm and stable mind ready for the insight practices. Dana refers to both the act of giving and to the donation itself. You can participate in the practice of dana through giving to Valley Insight Meditation Society.
Sustaining the Sangha
Last fall Valley Insight initiated an annual membership option of $10/month as a way to support the sangha. Twenty-eight individuals committed to this level of ongoing support. Membership contributions have given the advisory board the ability to meet expenses and plan for the future without having to rely on month-to-month variations in resources. We’re very grateful for this support! We were able to upgrade the web site and also to provide Doreen with additional teacher support so that she could plan the quarterly extended-day course of study. We hope to offer the Buddhist Study Course again in the coming year. (Read more on the: Year-long Buddhist Study Course).
Membership contributions were critical for keeping our income and outflow in balance last year. We ask that you renew or consider this commitment. Payment envelopes are available at all sits or you can use Paypal at the bottom of this page. Contributions to VIMS are tax-deductible and can be made as a one time gift or in any installments that work for you.
Every contribution to the sangha is appreciated––setting up for sits, supporting each other’s practice, dana, sponsoring sits, and membership contributions. Thank you so much for ALL of your generous contributions throughout the year.
With metta,
The Advisory Board
Generosity
One way that the giver sees his or her generosity return is found in “instant karma,” the Buddhist idea that acts that you do have direct consequences on the state of your mind and heart, even as you do them. The consequences of giving are quite wonderful in the present moment; if we are present for them, we can receive these wonderful consequences during the act of giving. The Buddha emphasized the joy of giving. Dana is not meant to be obligatory or done reluctantly. Rather, dana should be performed when the giver is “delighted before, during, and after giving.”
~~ Gil Fronsdal, The Issue at Hand
BECOME A MEMBER OF VALLEY INSIGHT
ONE-TIME DONATION
You can also send a check to VIMS at P.O. Box 634, Lebanon, NH 03766. Valley Insight Meditation Society is a Federal nonprofit organization 501(c)(3). Donations are tax deductible.
With gratitude,
Valley Insight Meditation Society Advisory Board
Jackie Atherley
Charlene Gates
David Gumpert
Roy Hatch
Karen Summer