What is Dana?
The Buddhist tradition of Dana can be translated as the practice of generosity or giving. It is an acknowledgement of our interdependence and provides for the wellbeing of others in a very practical way.
This ancient tradition has sustained the teaching of the Dharma for more than 2,500 years, since the time of the Buddha. 
The Dharma teachings of wisdom and compassion are considered priceless. Our teachers honour this centuries long Buddhist tradition by teaching on the basis of generosity, rather than asking a fee for leading retreats.
This is unfamiliar in our western culture. Our teachers have the same everyday needs as us and need to pay their bills. Our generosity makes their work possible.

Bristol Zen Centre
Bristol Zen Centre offer evenings of practice, day retreats and residential retreats on a dana or donation basis.
On Tuesday evenings we invite donations to cover the cost of the room and fund visits by senior teachers.

When dana is not a familiar practice, we are sometimes asked for guidance.
We suggest that making a donation is not a commercial transaction but a movement of the heart. The giving of dana is a practice of generosity that supports teaching being offered to us and others and is ultimately for the benefit of all beings.
We suggest that you should feel happy about the donation offered at the time of giving, not too much and not too little.
And that you feel happy later looking back on what you gave.


There will be a donation box in the Dharma room.
Thank you.