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On Dāna: The Practice of Generosity 

Dāna—generosity—is at the heart of how I offer the Dhamma. It’s not just a payment model; it’s a spiritual practice of the receiver and the giver, one that’s challenged and shaped me in profound ways.

What I've discovered over time is that Dāna works as a profoundly relational practice. I don’t set fees; I offer the teachings as a gift and then invite generosity. That’s not always easy. It means having to ask for support, to trust, and to live in that space of mutual care. I trust that offering freely allows for a deeper kind of connection. And it's not always comfortable, especially because I rely on the generosity of those who practice and learn from me. 

I’ve been moved to tears by small Venmo donations that come out of nowhere—$20 here, $5 there, sometimes from someone I haven’t seen in months. Those moments remind me that people value what we’re doing together. That we are, in fact, building a field of generosity, faith, and shared practice.

When I was newer to the Dhamma, I gave what I could. Sometimes that was very little. But I kept giving. And as my circumstances changed, I was able to give more. One time, I gave a check to two of my teachers—Gina Sharpe and Larry Yang—and they didn’t keep it for themselves. They redirected it to another center in need. That moment left a lasting impression: that Dāna isn’t just about giving or receiving—it’s about letting generosity ripple outward and letting it flow to where needs are. 

Now, Dāna supports my ability to teach, to continue practicing, and to grow and give forward. And I see how it supports the people I teach—giving them access, agency, and a way to participate beyond money. It’s not a transaction. It’s a relationship. A practice. A trust.