Supporting Teachers at Downtown Meditation
The Dāna System
For 2,600 years, teachers of the dharma have been supported through the practice of generosity (dāna). The dāna system provides students with an opportunity not only to support the livelihood of teachers, but to contribute to the transmission of the teachings themselves, and to develop the mindset of giving (cāga) on which the Buddha's dharma is based.
There are several ways you can support teachers at Downtown Meditation:
(1) Pledging: Many students choose to pledge a certain amount each month. This allows students to think more broadly about their commitment to the community and give support even when they cannot attend class. You can pledge by sending an email to downtownmeditation@gmail.com
(2) Giving per class/interview: Other students prefer to reflect after each class/interview and give accordingly.
(3) One-time donations
There is no expected amount to give, and we never turn away anyone because of finances.
Yet because people often ask for a recommended range, we suggest $10-15 per class and $50-80 per half-hour interview.
You can support teachers by offering dana via the following links:
Paul Weinfield
Kristine Marx
To donate by check, please indicate clearly which teacher you are donating to (don't just write "teachers.")
Checks can be mailed to:
Paul Weinfield
PO Box 1033
NY, NY 10009