tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33639505.post5056857920661553687..comments2024-01-01T05:20:12.452+08:00Comments on Awakening the Buddha in us: The meaning of Dana - GenerosityColinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16249142442913268023noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33639505.post-33455523411752020532008-04-27T22:59:00.000+08:002008-04-27T22:59:00.000+08:00True monastics that have dedicated their lives to ...True monastics that have dedicated their lives to living & sharing the Dharma are a wonderful source of wisdom for the world. One problem for laity is that there are so many 'monastics' that abuse the generosity of laypeople. <BR/><BR/>Here in Thailand, where monasticism has long been institutionalized, there are innumerable examples of such abuses. Finding monastics that seem to be living the bhikshus life is a chance to show generosity and make merit, opening up oneself to the benefits of dana. Fortunately, I live near the International Forest Monastery where dedicated novices & monks reside, giving me the chance to support monastics.<BR/><BR/>This is the symbiotic relationship established by the Buddha where lay people supply the monks with material needs & monks supply the laity with spiritual 'food'. It's a beautiful arrangement, Colin, isn't it?<BR/><BR/>G at 'Forest Wisdom'.Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11820006311674418847noreply@blogger.com