Dana & Generosity
"If people knew, as I know, the result of giving and sharing, they would not eat a meal without having shared it, nor would they allow the stain of meanness to obsess them and take root in their minds."
-- Itivuttaka 26

Dana (pronounced "dah-na") is a Pali word meaning generosity. Generosity, or sharing what we have, is one of the central pillars of spiritual life. Historically, as the Dharma thrived in Asia, local communities supported monks, nuns, teachers, and monasteries. This support was given freely in heartfelt recognition of the preciousness of the liberating teachings of the Buddha and the profound value of spiritual practice.

The practice of generosity gives us the opportunity to express our gratitude, to develop qualities of loving kindness, compassion and equanimity, to experience the joy of sharing, and to cultivate non-attachment and greater awareness. It is the intention of IMSB to foster the spirit of dana as both the practice and manifestation of our spiritual life.

Read the IMSB pamplet, The Treasure of Generosity , online.

   Listen to Shaila Catherine (founder) and Ed Haertel (treasurer) share the vision for developing IMSB as a center for mindfulness, peace, and awakening. This 11 minute talk was presented to the IMSB community on October 27, 2012. Support IMSB's growth through our Building Fund.

This organization and our teachers rely upon the voluntary contributions of students. Your gifts enable us to continue to serve the Dhamma and maintain a continuity of teachings in the West. The existence and continuation of Insight Meditation South Bay depends on this generosity.

Insight Meditation South Bay is incorporated in the State of California, and is recognized as a charitable organization by both the State of California and the Internal Revenue Service under section 501(c)(3). Contributions are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

Dana Opportunities

Donations to Insight Meditation South Bay can be made in any of the following ways:

  1. In Person
    There are donation bowls at each Insight Meditation South Bay event, a bowl for Teacher Dana and another for Operations Dana. You may donate by cash or check, made out to Insight Meditation South Bay. If you write a check, you may indicate the percentage of your donation dedicated to the Teacher Dana and to the Operations Dana in the memo field.
  2. On Line
    You can make a donation to IMSB on the internet at Network for Good, which accepts credit cards directly, or other instruments via a PayPal account.
  3. By Mail
    Donation checks, made out to the Insight Meditation South Bay, may be mailed to:

    Insight Meditation South Bay
    PO Box 490
    Menlo Park, CA 94026

    Please include a return slip . You may indicate the percentage of your donation dedicated to the Teacher Dana and to the Operations Dana in the memo field of the check.
  4. In Kind Gifts
    We accept many in kind gifts, such as airline mileage credits, photocopy services, useful supplies, and various professional services as either Teacher or Operations Dana. We also welcome sponsorship of specific operational expenses such as rent, postage for mailings, insurance, etc. If you would like to find out more about sponsoring a specific operational expense, please contact our philanthropic advisor, Glenn Smith CFP(r) CIMC(r), at