There is no charge associated with
any of the accommodations or services at Paramita. However, the
maintenance of the Centre does depend on your generosity (Dana).
Visitors often ask what the suggested donation for
time spent at Paramita should be. For us to answer that question would be like
setting a price. The Buddha’s teachings are priceless so we offer our service
here for Dana only. The simplest translation of Dana is "generosity".
We offer the Teachings and the Facility in this spirit. Paramita was built and
is maintained solely by the generosity of others. To ensure its continuance
requires the support of everyone who visits here.
Along with Sila (virtuous
behavior), Dana is considered essential to building a strong foundation in which
wisdom can arise through meditation. It is though the practice of Dana that we
learn to let go of our greed.
During the past 2,500
years the Buddha's teachings have been offered freely, without cost. In
addition, support for the monastic life has been entirely provided from lay
supporters through daily acts of generosity. In this spirit, support is both
appreciated and needed.
So in answer to the
question, we can only say to give whatever you can based on what you feel you
gain at Paramita. Western practitioners will be familiar with the fees charged
by some meditation Centres in their own countries. Realizing that there is a
real cost associated with maintaining a facility such as Paramita, you might let
this be your guide.
