Fees & Dana (Generosity)

Fees

IMS course fees are on a sliding scale basis that allows participants to pay according to individual means. At the Retreat Center, there are four rates – Sustaining, Mid, Base and Scholarship.

Payment at the Base rate covers just over 50% of what is needed to run our centers. To balance our budget and to provide wise stewardship of our resources, donations must supplement any fee income received at this level. There is an opportunity to offer donations to the teachers and to IMS at the end of each retreat.

The Sustaining rate represents the actual cost to IMS to operate our programs. Payment at this rate lets us direct income from donations towards helping those with lesser means to attend our retreats. If you can afford this level or higher, you assist our efforts to offer lower sliding-scale rates and ongoing financial subsidies.

Despite rising costs, only our Sustaining and Mid rates have increased for 2012. All other fees remain unchanged from 2011.

If you wish to register at the Scholarship rate, you will also need to complete a financial assistance application.

Any amount paid above the Base rate is a tax-deductible donation.

Dana

Dana is a Pali word that means generosity or giving freely, and has played a central role throughout Buddhism’s 2,500-year-old history. The spirit of generosity guides all aspects of IMS’s operations.

Generosity is the first of the ten parami, or qualities of character, that the Buddha taught his students to cultivate. Such practice develops lovingkindness and compassion, deepens awareness of our interconnectedness and encourages non-attachment. Giving is said to benefit both the giver and the receiver – the giver practices sharing and letting go, and the recipient practices acceptance of what is presented. Offering a small favor, a kind thought, a meal, or funds to help sustain a meditation teacher or center is a sincere form of spiritual practice.

Our teachers are continuing the ancient Buddhist monastic tradition of freely offering the teachings here in the midst of contemporary Western culture. Most Retreat Center teachers receive no compensation for teaching at IMS, and must rely on the generosity of course participants for a sustainable income. Your contributions help many teachers to lead a life devoted to teaching both at IMS and in other parts of the world. Your gifts also allow teachers to take time for their own practice, ensuring that their teachings are continuously enriched.

One of IMS’s deepest aspirations is to share the Buddha's teachings with all who are interested, regardless of their ability to pay. We count on your generous support to operate our centers, to provide affordable rates and to give financial assistance to approximately a third of our retreatants.

Whenever you are inspired to offer a donation, you join a community directly engaged in alleviating suffering and bringing greater wisdom and compassion to the world.

May your practice be for the benefit of all.

If you'd like to offer a donation to IMS, you can do so here.