The Gift of Dhamma

　　by S N Goenka

　　Goenkaji has often talked about the gifts of dāna, the mental volition of the giver and the many ways to give dāna. He talks about the supreme gift of Dhammadāna, the transmission of the Dhamma in its pure form from teacher to student through the generations. In addition, he points out that there are ways to share in the giving of Dhammadāna, even for those who are not teachers. Following is the concluding part of a selection of his words on this topic, drawn from various articles and talks and adapted for the Newsletter.

　　The Dhammadāna of Service

　　From a talk given by Goenkaji to Dhamma servers at Dhamma Giri in June 1986 and printed in ”For the Benefit of Many.”

　　What is the purpose of Dhamma service

　　 Certainly, it is not to receive board and lodging nor to pass the time in a comfortable environment nor to escape from the responsibilities of daily life. Dhamma servers know this well.

　　Such persons have practiced Vipassana and realized by direct experience the benefits it offers. They have seen the selfless service of the teachers, management and Dhamma servers-service that enabled them to taste the incomparable flavor of Dhamma. They have begun to take steps on the Noble Path, and naturally have started to develop the rare quality of gratitude, the wish to repay this debt for all that they have received.

　　Of course, the teacher, management and Dhamma servers gave their service without expecting anything in return nor will they accept any material remuneration. The only way to pay back the debt to them is by helping to keep the Wheel of Dhamma rotating, to give to others the same selfless service. This is the noble volition with which to give Dhamma service.

　　As Vipassana meditators progress on the path, they emerge from the old habit pattern of self-centeredness and start to concern themselves with others. They notice how everywhere people are suffering: young or old, men or women, black or white, wealthy or poor, all are suffering. Meditators realize that they themselves were miserable until they encountered the Dhamma. They know that, like them, others have started to enjoy real happiness and peace by following the Path. Seeing this change stimulates a feeling of sympathetic joy and strengthens the wish to help suffering people come out of their misery with Vipassana. Compassion overflows, and with it, the volition to help others find relief from their suffering.

　　Dāna of Right Thought, Speech and Actions

　　The following message by Goenkaji discusses the opening of the first center in Europe, Dhamma Mahī. It was written for publication in Nouvelles de Vipassana, the French edition of the Vipassana Newsletter, appearing in June 1988.

　　The hour of Vipassana has struck in Europe. For many years, devoted students in France and neighboring countries have worked hard to make the Dhamma available to others. Now, with the purchase of a center, those efforts of so many students are coming to fruition. I am deeply pleased to see the good results of your work.

　　The establishing of a center marks a new stage in the growth of Dhamma. It is important to understand its significance.

　　A center for Vipassana meditation is not a commune where members of a sect can live in isolation from the outside world, according to their own peculiar rules. It is not a club designed for the enjoyment of its members. It is not a temple in which to perform religious ceremonies. It is not a place for socializing.

　　A center is, instead, a school which teaches one subject: Dhamma, the art of living. All who come to a center, whether to meditate or to serve, come to receive this teaching.

　　To ensure that the Dhamma is offered in its strength and purity, you follow the discipline in all centers. The more carefully this is maintai…

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