Manitoba Buddhist Temple
39 Tecumseh St. Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Dana
(Giving)
Many Buddhist monks in Asia go begging for food once
a day. In exchange for this food they give Dharma lessons
and blessings. They are not strictly speaking monks but
bhikku sharers. They share their wisdom in exchange for the
layfolk sharing food with them. Sharing is thus a
fundamental religious practice for both the lay and
ordained in Buddhism.
This sharing has another dimension reflected in the word Dana, related historically to the English donation. Dana is the virtue of selfless giving. That is giving out of the goodness of the heart with no expectation of reward. The giving does not have to be in the terms of money, however, as dana has a wider application than the financial meaning, although it does include this as well. Some can not give money but give of their time, energies and involvement. Thus coming to temple on Sundays is a form of Dana. Setting up a Buddhist group in your community is also a form of Dana. We can give you some help and advice with this type of Dana as well. Perhaps you would like to help up by building a dojo that meets once a week and the sensei could meet with you regularly there for dharma discussions? This is also a kind of Dana activity.
Of course, the person or organization receiving the money needs to be worthy of the gift, which means a selfless gift needs to be received selflessly. In classical Buddhism, these were called arahant worthies. The experience of selfless giving and selfless receiving can become the starting point of religious awakening and it produces merit in that the selflessness provides a ground work for future spiritual growth.
A Guide to Financial Giving
The temple is fortunate to have members and friends who volunteer their time and energy to support our activities. While this physical support is critical, there is also a need to ask our members to consider financial support as well. These solicitations come in several forms and at times may seem confusing or even conflicting in purpose. Here’s a guide to some of the more common forms of financial giving.
Membership
Temple membership is important to a true Buddhist. Without a temple supported by it s members directly, there is no place to learn Buddha's teachings. Moreover, the temple is the centre of spreading Buddhism on every country. It provides the clerics and helps to educate new clerics. Therefore it is not enough just to belong to some connected organization, the temple needs your support to teach and spread true Buddhism.
Throughout our temple's existence, we have been fortunate to enjoy the generous support of countless individuals and organizations. While fundraising is a necessary component of temple life, it is not meant to be our primary focus. As a not-for-profit organization, our budget is designed to break even. All donations, regardless of size, are gratefully and equally accepted. Thanks to the planning and sacrifice of our elders, we have existed in Canada for decades. It is now up to our current members the Sansei and Yonsei to continue this tradition of selfless giving. Together with our new members and those who will join us in the years to come, the future will remain bright.
Envelope Days
There are six major religious holidays. These include Hoonko, Hanamatsuri, Gotane, Obon, Ohigan and Bodhi Day. Members and friends are encouraged to make a donation on these holidays whether they are able to attend the service or not.
Monthly Memorials
On the second Sunday of each month, the temple conducts a memorial service for those who have passed away during that month, regardless of year. If you wish to have a family member added to our records, please contact Sensei Ulrich.
BCC Dues
The Buddhist Churches of Canada assess annual dues based on temple membership. They dues are paid through your membership to the Manitoba Buddhist Temple. As a result, a portion of your your membership goes to support the BCC. Once a year, a BCC Day Service is held at all the Buddhist Churches of Canada temples during the month of October to commemorate the founding of Jodo Shinshu in Canada. The fund is used for the propagation of Jodo Shinshu in Canada through its educational programs, ministers’ seminars, and layleaders’ programs.
If you would like to share in the costs to provide support for our efforts in the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, you may make your offering to the following address:
Manitoba Buddhist Temple
39 Tecumseh Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3E 0J8
Canadians may request a tax receipt for those donations in excess of $10.
Thank you for your support in our very important work in filling our society with good karma and in promoting the teachings that help us fight the Three Poisons (ignorance, hatred and greed). Let us bring enlightenment, hope and healing to all beings without exception.
This sharing has another dimension reflected in the word Dana, related historically to the English donation. Dana is the virtue of selfless giving. That is giving out of the goodness of the heart with no expectation of reward. The giving does not have to be in the terms of money, however, as dana has a wider application than the financial meaning, although it does include this as well. Some can not give money but give of their time, energies and involvement. Thus coming to temple on Sundays is a form of Dana. Setting up a Buddhist group in your community is also a form of Dana. We can give you some help and advice with this type of Dana as well. Perhaps you would like to help up by building a dojo that meets once a week and the sensei could meet with you regularly there for dharma discussions? This is also a kind of Dana activity.
Of course, the person or organization receiving the money needs to be worthy of the gift, which means a selfless gift needs to be received selflessly. In classical Buddhism, these were called arahant worthies. The experience of selfless giving and selfless receiving can become the starting point of religious awakening and it produces merit in that the selflessness provides a ground work for future spiritual growth.
A Guide to Financial Giving
The temple is fortunate to have members and friends who volunteer their time and energy to support our activities. While this physical support is critical, there is also a need to ask our members to consider financial support as well. These solicitations come in several forms and at times may seem confusing or even conflicting in purpose. Here’s a guide to some of the more common forms of financial giving.
Membership
Temple membership is important to a true Buddhist. Without a temple supported by it s members directly, there is no place to learn Buddha's teachings. Moreover, the temple is the centre of spreading Buddhism on every country. It provides the clerics and helps to educate new clerics. Therefore it is not enough just to belong to some connected organization, the temple needs your support to teach and spread true Buddhism.
Throughout our temple's existence, we have been fortunate to enjoy the generous support of countless individuals and organizations. While fundraising is a necessary component of temple life, it is not meant to be our primary focus. As a not-for-profit organization, our budget is designed to break even. All donations, regardless of size, are gratefully and equally accepted. Thanks to the planning and sacrifice of our elders, we have existed in Canada for decades. It is now up to our current members the Sansei and Yonsei to continue this tradition of selfless giving. Together with our new members and those who will join us in the years to come, the future will remain bright.
Envelope Days
There are six major religious holidays. These include Hoonko, Hanamatsuri, Gotane, Obon, Ohigan and Bodhi Day. Members and friends are encouraged to make a donation on these holidays whether they are able to attend the service or not.
Monthly Memorials
On the second Sunday of each month, the temple conducts a memorial service for those who have passed away during that month, regardless of year. If you wish to have a family member added to our records, please contact Sensei Ulrich.
BCC Dues
The Buddhist Churches of Canada assess annual dues based on temple membership. They dues are paid through your membership to the Manitoba Buddhist Temple. As a result, a portion of your your membership goes to support the BCC. Once a year, a BCC Day Service is held at all the Buddhist Churches of Canada temples during the month of October to commemorate the founding of Jodo Shinshu in Canada. The fund is used for the propagation of Jodo Shinshu in Canada through its educational programs, ministers’ seminars, and layleaders’ programs.
If you would like to share in the costs to provide support for our efforts in the Manitoba Buddhist Temple, you may make your offering to the following address:
Manitoba Buddhist Temple
39 Tecumseh Street
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3E 0J8
Canadians may request a tax receipt for those donations in excess of $10.
Thank you for your support in our very important work in filling our society with good karma and in promoting the teachings that help us fight the Three Poisons (ignorance, hatred and greed). Let us bring enlightenment, hope and healing to all beings without exception.