Dana Economy

"The perfection of generosity is said to be the thought to give all beings everything". Shantideva, the 8th century Buddhist master

The Nottingham Buddhist Centre has no central funding. We operate a radical economy on, what is called, a Dana Economy. The Sanskrit word ‘Dana’ means generosity, which is a fundamental Buddhist principle. The Centre offers something that is priceless - the teachings of the Buddha - which should not be bought or sold. So rather than charge for classes, we give them freely, asking only for donations.

Our aim is to inspire a culture of generosity that will pervade the community. Through giving, we learn to transcend ourselves and respond to the needs of others. If you value what is offered, you will hopefully be inspired to help us to offer that gift to others.

The most obvious form of ‘dana’ is to give money through donations, both by putting money in the Dana bowl and through standing orders, Gift Aid, CAF cheque, and Charitycard schemes.

However, ‘dana’ can also take the form of giving time, skills, goods, friendliness; there are so many things that one can give!