MEMBERSHIP & CONTRIBUTIONS

DANA (GIVING)

“The mind is beyond all limits. Things given as offerings are beyond limit. Moreover, when we give, the mind transforms the offer and the offer transforms the mind.”

Master Zen Dogen, Japan, 13th century.

In Buddhism, the practice of giving is called Dana. Dana means that the teachings and the practice are offered without being treated as a financial transaction or having a predetermined fee. In turn, those who participate in the practice of Zen also engage in the practice of giving, offering according to their means and freely.

Dana thus expresses the mutuality of giving and is an integral part of Buddhist practice.

Zen Center Athens is a non-profit organization dedicated to making the practices and teachings of Zen available to all who are interested.

Lack of financial resources should not be an obstacle to participating in our activities and events. For this reason, alongside financial contributions, we recognize the importance of Dana—the practice of generous giving—as a direct expression of the deeper Buddhist teaching of the interconnectedness of all beings.

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

Dear Members,

Our vision at Zen Center Athens is for everyone who participates in the Center’s classes and events to feel and truly be a member of the Center, an integral part of its community. We want our relationship with you to be mutual and meaningful, rather than limited to a “customer–provider” relationship.

The Center, as well as its teachers, has ongoing operating expenses and commitments 12 months of the year. In order, therefore, to continue its work and provide a stable framework for practice and study, the Center relies on the consistent and active participation of its members.

For these reasons, from now on, the Arts subscription is annual, with the contribution paid at the beginning of each month, for twelve (12) consecutive months of the respective year. Attending individual classes is not encouraged, as progress in one’s practice requires consistency and an inner commitment. Nevertheless, the option of attending individual classes (drop-in) is available in cases where, due to serious personal or other circumstances, a member is unable to commit to the annual subscription.

Within the framework of Dana, and provided that there is a genuine commitment to the Path you have chosen to follow — expressed, among other things, through regular attendance of the classes — if you are experiencing genuine financial difficulty, please communicate this to us and discuss it with your teachers.

Our aim is for financial contribution to be part of a living and reciprocal relationship, with respect both for the actual needs of the Center and for the circumstances of each member.

ZAZEN

The proposed Dana is:

5 euros for zazen
10 euros for daily Sesshin
50 euros per month (basic support of the Center)

Of course, if you are in a position to do so, you are welcome to offer more. However, please do not give more than you feel comfortable giving.