Since the time of Shakyamuni Buddha, the transmission of the Buddha's teachings has been supported by the practicing community through "Dana," a Pali word usually translated into English as generosity or giving. As a fundamental part of the Buddha's Way, Dana is the practice of developing a generous and open heart. The practice of generosity is one of the Six Paramitas (transcendent actions) that also include moral conduct, patience, diligent effort, concentration, and wisdom. Along with the cultivation of harmonious living and wisdom, generosity is also considered one of the Three Pillars of the Dharma.

Thus, the cultivation of Dana has been considered an essential component of the Buddhist path for over 2,500 years.

Traditionally, there are three general areas of generosity practiced by a Buddhist. First is the giving of material aid to those in need to alleviate their present suffering. Second is the gift of Dharma (teachings and practices) which has the ability to alleviate both current and future suffering. Third is the giving of protection or fearlessness to those in need. It should be understood that true generosity is not a moral obligation, an egocentric gesture, or payment for services rendered. Nor is it an action taken with the expectation of receiving something in return like fame, praise or recognition of any kind. When practiced in mindfulness, giving generously is an opportunity to develop the qualities of kindness and compassion, while learning to "let go" of our attachment to concerns like the desire for acknowledgement, material acquisition, and attention.

Dana is the practice of "hidden virtue." Practicing Dana with awareness allows us to see our attached or grasping mind states, especially attachment to our money, time, and self interest. It allows us to work through our self centered attachments, so we can be free to truly help and support others in myriad ways.

Practicing generosity in multitudinous ways also helps us see that, as Thich Nhat Hanh teaches, we "inter-are." Members of a practicing community, support their teacher and sangha through giving freely of their time, skills, wisdom, compassion and material resources. The teacher and sangha as a whole reciprocally support each member of the community in their individual practice. Through Dana, the students and the sangha support their teacher in his or her quest to awaken them to their Buddha nature, transcend the narrow confines of egocentricity and, thus, alleviate their suffering. Dana is also a way to express our individual appreciation for the teacher's dedication to transmitting the Dharma. In this way, it is also a means of expressing one's gratitude for the Dharma and the unbroken lineage of teachers that began over 2,500 years ago with Shakyamuni Buddha himself.

How do we practice Dana in the Florida Community of Mindfulness? FCM relies upon its members for the donation of materials such as office supplies, incense, candles, and services such as copying, bookkeeping, website maintenance, organizational skills, and time. All such Dana is greatly appreciated by the community and is essential to the community's growth and stability. The Community is always in need of volunteers to assist with the meditation hall, flower arrangements for the altar, and to sometimes provide refreshments after meditation. Dana may be given in the form of monetary donations to the FCM. These contributions are used to cover the cost of FCM's general expenses, which include rent for the meditation halls, the purchase of cushions and back jacks, general administrative costs, and the monthly support of the community's teacher, Fred Eppsteiner.