Cost of the Retreat and Dana
The spirit of generosity, foundational to the Buddhist path, guides Vajra Dakini’s mission of peace, practice, and service as well as operational upkeep of Liberation House, where the nunnery is located.
Registration includes an offering of $1008, covering room and board at Pilgrim Lodge, our teacher’s room and board, and a contribution towards essential Vajra Dakini’s out-of-pocket administration fees for preparing the retreat.
A deposit of $500 is due before May 1st, but please register now to reserve your spot. Vajra Dakini has also made a deposit to Pilgrim Lodge to secure our retreat dates. According to Pilgrim Lodge: for any cancelation, Vajra Dakni must must notify the lodge by June 14th in order for a refund, less administration fees. Similarly, Vajra Dakini can return your deposit, less administration fees, only if you notify us before June 14th. (We have hired an assistant to do registration and communication for the retreat.) Your application is not complete until we receive your $500 deposit. For those using paypal pls include the paypal deduction making your deposit as $520.
“So with an unhesitant mind, one should give where the gift bears great fruit.” Buddha Sakyamini
Does $1008 cost include my generosity offering to Khenmo and Vajra Dakini Nunnery?
No, it does not.
Khenmo offers these ancient and profound teachings freely so all may benefit. One of the monastic vows is to not engage in business, rather dedicate oneself to living and teaching the Dharma, relying only on what is offered. Therefore, as students, we offer to Khenmo the monastic requisites. In modern times this means: food, robes/clothes, living/office space, which include the condo fees for Liberation House, and here in the U.S., transportation. We hope to add medicine and dental care, the final requisite, when we are able.
What is generosity, or dana?
Dana is the Pali word for generosity or giving freely as a Dharma practice. It may be unfamiliar to westerners. Generosity is the first of the ten paramitas or qualities to be perfected on the Buddhist path. The practice of generosity develops lovingkindness and compassion, deepens awareness of our interconnectedness, and encourages non-attachment.
When we all take part in the offering and receiving of dana, we join a large circle of generosity. Teachers come to our centers to share the teachings, and in turn we, as retreatants, offer financial support to them and for their activities. In essence, paying it forward, so that others have the same opportunities.
Teaching Gift
At the end of the retreat, it is traditional to make an offering to Khenmo. Dana asks us to consider, “What value do these teachings have in my life? How can I insure that others have the same opportunity to receive the Dharma in the future?” Your contributions collectively fulfill our responsibilities towards Khenmo. This is an important opportunity to reflect on how the practice has impacted our lives and how we can keep the Dharma separate from views of business or materialism and worldly gain.
How you can help?
You can give beyond what is asked, knowing it will be used for the Dharma.