The practice of generosity, or dana – sharing our time and energy to support each other – is at the heart of community. An important element of giving is the joy and happiness that we experience when we are able to give from the heart, without any expectation or attachment to the result.
Offering Our Practice
The most precious thing we can offer is our energy of mindfulness. Together we support each other on this beautiful path of practice. We can help the wider community of mindfulness to grow by investing time and energy into our own local community (sangha) or by helping to create a new sangha. The greatest gift you can offer Blue Cliff is regularly spending time practicing here. Please visit us!
Offering Financial Support
Another important way to contribute is through financial support–making a donation to the monastery or by becoming a regular donor to the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation. All of the financial needs of our monastery and sister monasteries are met through donations, retreat fees, and to a smaller extent, through purchases of books and other items. Please contact the Thich Nhat Hanh Foundation for more information about opportunities to offer financial support. Checks can be made out to Unified Buddhist Church/Blue Cliff Monastery. Please note if you wish your donation to go to General Fund, Monastic Fund, Scholarship Fund, Building Fund or Other. If Other, let us know where you would like your donation to be applied.
Offering Service
Finally, we can offer our time and energy through service here at the monastery and beyond. When you get to know the community, you will naturally begin to see our needs and the best ways to help. Please reach out to us with any offer of support or take a moment to discuss service opportunities with any of our monastic brothers or sisters while you are here. We have a number of residential programs that allow you to live and serve here. We also employ staff to help in a few specific areas. Contact your local sangha for opportunities to serve within your local community.