Donations & Membership

We are frequently asked what is the suggested donation for activities of the ND Buddhist Vihara. We cannot answer that question, because that would be like setting a price. The Buddha's teachings are priceless. We offer our services here for Dana. What is dana? Its simplest meaning is "generosity."

We practice dana by offering the teachings without a price tag. You can practice dana by making a donation to the Vihara; this temple is maintained solely by the generosity of people like you.

The meaning of Dana and its place in Buddhist thought

Dana is the Pali word for generosity. It is also related to another Pali word caga, the personal or inner dimension of generosity, the intention behind giving. Dana katha, or talk on giving was the first topic of Buddha's gradual exposition of his teachings. Dana is the first of the ten perfections or Parami cultivated by those who aspire to awakening. It is also a chief characteristic of a sappurusa, the ideal or superior person described by the Buddha.

Dana or generosity as a spiritual practice

The practice of generosity (or dana) transforms the giver. The intention of generosity purifies the giver of attachment to wealth. It is in this sense that it gradually transforms the giver. The intention thus cultivated creates a sense of abundance. The giver reflects 'how much do I really need, how much can I share'. This reflection of what one truly needs rather than all what one wants or seeks to grasp, creates a sense of abundance. It loosens the grip of covetousness. This is a beginning of the path towards self-less ness. Generosity is a foundation of the Buddhist path.

Teachings are priceless

The teachings of the Buddha are priceless. No price or value, monetary or otherwise can be set for the teachings of the Buddha. They transcend such worldly considerations. The teachings of the Buddha are given freely to all who seek.

Tradition of giving

Since the time of the Buddha till today the order of Buddhist monks--the bhikkhu sangha--and Buddhist monasteries have depended on the generosity of lay people. The lay people in turn receive religious instruction and spiritual guidance. This mutually beneficial arrangement has sustained the Buddha's message (the sasana) for thousands of years.

What donations are used for

Donations to the North Dakota Buddhist Vihara go towards supporting the monks of the Vihara. These may include as needed, food, shelter, medicine, clothes, travel costs and related costs associated with the work of conducting the religious, educational and cultural activities of the North Dakota Buddhist Vihara.