One of the key actions of Buddhist practice is dana. Dana paramita (布施波羅蜜) means the practice or perfection of “generosity” or “giving of one’s self”. Dana is related to our word, “donation”, but also includes sharing, even selfless giving without worrying about getting something in return. Help us in our mission to spread the Buddha-dharma and provide a space for cultivation of peace of mind, compassion for all beings, spiritual growth, and an ethical way of life based on Buddhist principles.
Yogi job rationale:
In addition to developing our concentration and our wisdom through listening to the wisdom of our teachers and through our own meditative practices, we need to develop kindness, compassion and generosity and other qualities of the heart and mind. These qualities serve as a foundation and help further our spiritual practice and become better human beings.
To this end, as well as to help maintain the retreat center so that others may benefit from it, we each participate in “yogi jobs” every day during the retreat. Yogi jobs are best carried out mindfully and joyfully. When you work with an open heart to all those who might benefit from your work, as well as with a sense of gratitude for all who did the work and jobs that you are now benefitting from, it can truly further your practice.
This is also one of the things that can easily be taken home from the retreat to improve your everyday life. While not all of us can find the time to meditate every day, we can all try to bring this sense of service and gratitude into the things we see and do in our everyday lives by leaving each place a bit better than when we found it.