Dana is integral to Buddhist practice. It is one of the three pillars of Dana (generosity), Sila (virtue), Bhavana (mental cultivation). All three of these aspects need to be perfected for the heart to awaken and see clearly. Perfecting just one aspect would be like having a stool with one leg – it cannot stand up. Perfecting just two will be like a stool with two legs it is still not stable but a stool that has three legs can stay upright, awake and bear the weight of the world.
We are fortunate that we are able to hold ALBA retreats at Amaravati Retreat Centre. There is no charge for attending retreats at Amaravati. The teachings are given freely, as is the accommodation, food, and all the other facilities available during your retreat. This is in keeping with the Thai Forest Tradition as practised here at Amaravati. We are able to continue offering retreats due to the generosity of past retreatants, and all future retreats will be dependent on that generosity. Please do not feel under any pressure to make a donation, or to give a particular amount. Whatever you are able and inspired to give is gratefully received.
You can make a contribution towards the running of the Retreat Centre in the following ways:
- Card donation – at the beginning and end of the retreat (a machine will be provided in the kitchen and is available in the Temple and Sala)
- Online transfer – once you get home (via the Amaravati website – please choose Retreat Centre – ALBA).
- Cash or cheque – at the end of the retreat in a donation bowl in the Retreat Centre. Cheques should be payable to the English Sangha Trust (we prefer people to donate by card or online if possible).
- Standing order – You can make a regular donation by standing order (a form can be downloaded from the Amaravati Retreat Centre website). Please write ALBA at the top.
- By bank transfer to the English Sangha Trust. The Retreat Centre bank details are on the Standing Order form.
When making a donation please choose the ‘Retreat Centre’ fund and put ALBA in the reference if possible. It is helpful if you can make your donation on the same or the next day so this can be allocated as an ALBA donation.
It is also possible to offer generosity in the form of volunteering with ALBA, the Retreat Centre and main monastery. Please enquire at the end of the retreat.
Sadu Anumodana for your generosity!
