Talk.
Guy: Many of you will already be familiar with the concept of data as part of the Western insight tradition. But for those that don't know. I thought I'd just give a quick summary.
Guy: Dhana is a Pali word meaning generosity, gift, or giving.
Guy: In the time of the Buddha the teachings were offered freely as a form of Dana from the teachers to the lay community.
Guy: The early teachers received no payment for their instruction.
Guy: and in turn the community saw to it, through their generosity, their data, that the basic needs of the monks and the nuns were taken care of.
Guy: The giving data was seen to open up the heart.
Guy: diminish one's self-absorption, and place value on the wellbeing of others.
Guy: simple gestures, such as offering a flower. an active service. a kind thought or a simple meal were seen as sincere forms of practice
Guy: in the West. We do not have much of a monastic tradition. Insight teachers, nonetheless, still tend to follow the ancient tradition. Ancient tradition of Dhana.
Guy: Steven, Winton, and Lenore are continuing with that tradition by not charging for the teachings
Guy: they have all dedicated a significant part of their lives to serving the Dharma. and invested a lot of time in the planning of this retreat. and in the development of the knowledge and wisdom that they have gifted to us this week.
Guy: It is for these reasons that I ask you all to help with a gift of Dana to them in recognition of their gift. To us
Guy: people sometimes struggle to know how much to give, and the answer is always unique to each person.
Guy: Any amount should, of course, take into consideration
Guy: your own circumstances, and is entirely up to you
Guy: for me. I always look into my heart and ask myself what feels right.
Guy: I reflect on the amount that I will feel at peace with. and I also reflect on the role generosity has played in my life. along with its importance to my journey on the path.
Guy: Such reflections have never failed to give me my answer.
Guy: To give a gift of Dana. You can place it in the data box that is up here on the table.
Guy: Or you can make a contribution electronically. there are some banking details up on the notice board that you can use for electronic transfers. And I will also send those details out.
Guy: A little bit later today, for those of us at home
Guy: on behalf of Stephen Winton and Lenore. I would like to say, thank you all in advance for your generosity.
Guy: Thank you.