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Dana

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In "The Happiest Year Ever", Sayadaw U Silananda wrote:

We do not need to be rich or beautiful or powerful to be happy. When we give or practice dana, we find that we feel happy; when we help others, we feel happy; when we are peaceful, we feel happy.

The Sayadaws of Dhammananda Vihara, the Board of Directors and Executive Committee members of TBSA say "Sadhu, Sadhu, Sadhu" to all donors past and present. Without their support, the sasana activities in the Bay Area and beyond would not have been possible.

Construction began on August 18, 2000 for a new Dhammananda Vihara monastery complete with a meditation hall, a dhamma library, and rooms for Sayadaws and yogis.

The following is what Lord Buddha said regarding the gift of a monastery:

It keeps out cold and heat,

Wild animals besides,

And creeping things and flies,

And chills and rain as well.

And it affords protection

When sun and wind are fierce.

The aim is to be sheltered and at ease

In order to concentrate and practice insight.

Gifts of dwellings to the Order

Are praised most highly by the Buddha,

So let a man possessed of wit,

Who sees wherein his own good lies,

Have comfortable dwellings made

And have the learned live in them.

He should give food to them and drink

And clothing and a resting place,

Letting his heart repose his trust

In those who walk in righteousness;

And they will teach the Dhamma to him

For freedom from all suffering,

Knowing which Dhamma, he here attains

Nibbana and is free from taints.

(VINAYA PITAKA, CULAVAGGA)

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HE WHO GIVES A DWELLING PLACE GIVES ALL.

(SAMYUTTA NIKAYA, SAGATHAVAGGA SAMYUTTA)

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