S U P P O R T I N G   Z C A

Zen Center of Asheville is a non-profit organization, supported completely by contributions (tax deductable).  If you would like to actively support ZCA you might consider becoming a sustaining member by giving a monthly or annual pledge. Of course all donations of any size at any time are accepted with heartfelt gratitude. Donations may be sent to the following address and you will automatically be included on our mailing list:

MAIL ADRS: Zen Center of Asheville - PO Box 17274, Asheville, NC 28816-7274

D A N A

Material goods, the teachings.
Both are perfectly complete offerings,
the value of which cannot be measured.
Perfection of Giving (Dana Paramita)
is a means sufficient to permeate
the entire Dharma World
with equal benefit.

In Asian countries, this verse is chanted by Buddhist monks in appreciation for a gift received. It is a description of the term "dana" (generosity) which in Buddhism is one of the six practices of perfection. Generosity as a practice of perfection means giving that is not tainted. Whether it is material goods or teachings, when given without expectation or judgment the result is that the purity of the action permeates life beyond what we can imagine. This is the kind of giving we can cultivate through spiritual practice.

A monk's practice is to give the Dharma to all who ask, regardless of feelings of like or dislike, and without expecting any particular result. This can be done through the example of one’s practice or by speaking about it or chanting sutras.

As a way of sharing in this practice, lay practitioners can offer food, money or whatever they are able to the temple or to a monk. This is another way of supporting the Dharma. Giving either material goods or teachings helps us to perfect the practice of Dana. In this way, when we give we can do it purely, without the taint of expectations and judgments. At Zen Center of Asheville, the priest is not given a stipend but depends upon separate donations. For that reason at our temple there are two dana baskets: one for the center and one for our priest. They are located on the entrance porch below the bulletin board.

Temple Cleaning

If you’re interested in an easy way to become involved in work practice at Zen Center of Asheville, please consider joining us for Saturday morning temple cleaning. We begin at approximately 7:45 AM, immediately following zazen and the chanting of the Heart Sutra. Cleaning lasts for about 30 minutes, and it’s followed by optional tea and conversation.