Ways to Give Teacher Dana
A Word on Tax-Deductibility
Bodhi Courses is not incorporated as a non-profit institution, however, Insight Meditation South Bay is incorporated as a nonprofit in the State of California and is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service under Section 501(c)(3). If you make tax-deductible donations to Insight Meditation South Bay, please designate your gift as “Teacher Dana.”
Shaila Catherine
Founder & Principal Teacher
By Funds Transfer
Give directly to Shaila by transferring funds from your US Bank account to hers via Zelle. These donations are NOT tax-deductible. Transfer funds to insight
.
By Check
Mail a check to Shaila Catherine at the address below.
Shaila Catherine
PO Box 490
Menlo Park, CA 94026
Non-deductible donations—make the check payable to Shaila Catherine.
Tax-deductible donations—make the check payable to Insight Meditation South Bay and write “Teacher Dana” on the memo line.
About Dana
In ancient India, monastics collected their daily meal from supportive villagers in an alms bowl; today, insight meditation teachers receive support for their work through the generosity of their students. Through acts of generosity (dāna) we express gratitude; practice letting go; acknowledge our interdependence; and cultivate kindness and compassion.
Shaila Catherine is a full time dhamma teacher who relies upon dāna for her livelihood. She is not paid wages to teach. Instead, voluntary donations from students provide the material support that allows her to lead a life devoted to the dhamma and continue this work.
About Registration Fees
Commonly, western dharma organizations structure course fees such that your registration fees go to the sponsoring organization, and support for the teacher comes through teacher dāna that is offered at the conclusion of the course.
Bodhi Courses uses a modified registration/dana system. We employ a sliding fee scale for registration. Participants who are able to pay at the mid to high end of the sliding scale support others who need to pay at the low end. By trusting participants to exercise both generosity and wisdom when choosing the amount to offer in registration fees, we are able to serve students from diverse economic situations around the world.
When registration funds remain after all expenses associated with the development, technology, administration, and running of Bodhi Courses are paid, the remainder may be used for future scholarships and to supplement teacher dāna. Therefore, if you paid at the high end of the sliding scale, you may in effect have included teacher dāna in your initial offering.
Independently of registration fees, dāna to support the teacher is welcomed and appreciated.
Thank you! Your generosity is appreciated.