In this season, many are bustling and busy and thinking of what gifts to give.  Running here and running there, buying for this one and buying for that one, we can get lost in a narrow view of  the meaning of the season.  It can be exhausting, and actually can become a very miserable experience.  Or, we can pull our lenses back to take the wider view and reflect on the wonder of a season of generosity.

Buddhist monasteries (and, indeed,much of the  traditional transmission of our teachings) are grounded in giving or “dana” as it is known. There is something very special and at the same time very ordinary in the offering of food and other forms of material support by students and practitioners to the community–it celebrates the wholesome and transformative power of sharing. In this traditional meeting and exchange, the spiritual world and the material world come together and their inseparability is revealed. The foundation of our Dharma practice is giving, and the powerful experience of generosity opens our hearts.  May the heart of our community be blessed by goodwill, generosity and love in this season.