Dana Paramita at Eirui-ji
Dear Friends,
Occasionally people ask for clarification regarding monetary contributions to the sangha and for the teachings, and I would like to clarify this so we are all on the same page.
Zen centers and monastic training facilities are established to provide a place where students can practice together, study the tradition, be guided personally by a dharma teacher, and ultimately, break through the shell, so the inner light can shine through for the benefit of all creation. While "making money" is obviously not the purpose of Zen centers and monasteries, ongoing financial support is clearly a vital necessity which keeps all activities going, and maintains the logistical structure for the continuation of our ancient wisdom tradition.
In relation to that, it is important to clarify the nature of the work and guidance of a dharma teacher. We need to view the teacher-student connection in a different way than any other area of life. That relationship is not contractual-based as other teachings we get involved in, but rather a connection rooted in that which is beyond giving and receiving. For example, when I am working with a student for an hour, that hour is by itself complete and self-fulfilling. It is a way I express myself. When the student contributes a monthly donation, that is how the student expresses himself/herself, and it is by itself complete and self-fulfilling. Bodhidharma described giving, gift, and receiving, as the "Triple Emptiness": no giver, no gift, and no one to receive. When we practice Dana Paramita (giving) with this understanding, we free ourselves of the self-grasping energy that binds us, raises walls between self and other, and creates unnecessary complications.
At Eiryu-ji Zen Center, we have set up two ways to contribute; for newcomers the suggested amount is $10 per visit, and for monthly membership the suggested amount is $50. The monthly contributions for remote members that are engaged in an online study is set up individually, and it is commonly initiated by the student.
That being said, our center is always open to everyone, and all teachings are given as an offering.
We also need to bear in mind that each member is in a different financial situation, and the aspect of monetary contributions need to be examined based on individual circumstances. If you would like to talk with me and clarify the matter please bring it up in our next conversation.
Please note that Aikido membership includes the monthly contributions to Eiryu-ji.
Love to all,
Junryu
