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Talk.

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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.

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Guy: Dhana is a Pali word meaning generosity, gift, or giving.

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Guy: In the time of the Buddha the teachings were offered freely as a form of Dana from the teachers to the lay community.

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Guy: The early teachers received no payment for their instruction.

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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.

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Guy: The giving data was seen to open up the heart.

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Guy: diminish one's self-absorption, and place value on the wellbeing of others.

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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

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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.

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Guy: Steven, Winton, and Lenore are continuing with that tradition by not charging for the teachings

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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.

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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

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Guy: people sometimes struggle to know how much to give, and the answer is always unique to each person.

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Guy: Any amount should, of course, take into consideration

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Guy: your own circumstances, and is entirely up to you

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Guy: for me. I always look into my heart and ask myself what feels right.

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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.

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Guy: Such reflections have never failed to give me my answer.

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Guy: To give a gift of Dana. You can place it in the data box that is up here on the table.

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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.

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Guy: A little bit later today, for those of us at home

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Guy: on behalf of Stephen Winton and Lenore. I would like to say, thank you all in advance for your generosity.

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Guy: Thank you.