‘Dāna’ is a Sanskrit and Pali term meaning “generosity” or “giving.” In Buddhism, it also refers to the practice of cultivating generosity. Here at Sacred Groves we work with the concept of Dāna…..we want to support and encourage a culture of generous giving. Sharing our home and our land is our livelihood, so we rely on the Dāna of our guests to pay our bills, but we also want to be generous in welcoming guests of all income brackets.
For some events (e.g. sweatlodge, Drum’n’Dance) we establish a ‘suggested donation,’ put out a donation basket and receive what is offered. This enables guests to show their generosity by offering more than the suggested donation which is always welcome. Other guests offer less, but give with a generous heart. This is good too!
For full-day events and week-end retreats, we do request a particular fee. However, we always offer some partial scholarships, accept work-exchange offers and are generally willing to negotiate installment payments and other creative ways of compensating us. We welcome help with dish washing, housecleaning, set up, clean up, food and firewood contributions. We also consider work exchange offers for body work, gardening, property maintenance work, and other services we might benefit from.
The Dāna of our guests and from those who love us from afar keeps the Groves’ boat afloat. In turn, we share the gifts of this land and our sweet structures with many. This back’n’forth giving and receiving enriches us all. If you would like to make a contribution to support us, we will gladly receive it. Click on the button below to show us your generosity–we will be most grateful! THANK YOU!