Here in the West, we continue this tradition of dana. The existence and development of True North Insight depends on the generosity of many. The members of the organizing committee offer their time, energy and skills in organizing and managing retreats, organizing fundraising events and promoting TNI. The members of the Board of Directors offer their time and skills in giving direction to True North Insight. The teachers freely offer their time, experience and understanding. All of these acts of dana allow the teachings of the Buddha and the meditation practices to flourish.

The fee you pay to attend a TNI retreat covers the basic costs of a retreat. The teaching is offered freely, as it has been since the time of the Buddha. None of your registration fee goes to the support of the teachers leading the retreats. Yet lay teachers have the same living costs and responsibilities of home and family as we all do. And their life outside of formal teaching is given to offering support locally and internationally to other centres, individuals, and groups, motivated by the desire to bring peace, well-being, and liberation of the heart/mind to all. Their ability to do this relies upon the generosity of those who benefit from the teaching.

At the end of each retreat, a dana talk is given as part of our commitment to the tradition of generosity and mutual support. This is an invitation to participate in the rich tradition of giving support to those who are supporting us, and many others, in our practice. It acknowledges our interconnectedness and interdependence! Your practice of generosity to the teachers, TNI andthe retreat manager enables the teachings to continue and the sangha, the dharma community, to thrive.