Making Offerings

Offerings at teachings and appointments

Receiving Dharma teachings, in combination with hard work and reliance, may result in one attaining the ultimate form of enlightenment. This achievement is priceless, and it is correct to regard the teachings as priceless. Therefore, students are very fortunate that there is no charge for the Dharma teachings.

However, there is a cost associated with a teaching event. The requested donation for an event reflects the minimum amount necessary to pay for the travel expenses, lodging, space rent, food, and other costs to ensure a teacher is available in your area. Sometimes, the recommended amount is even lower than actual costs due to the kindness of others in their donations.

Students who can afford to donate more than the recommended amount are encouraged to do so. This helps keeps the teachings available to everyone. Some comparisons that may assist you in choosing a contribution amount include:

• No matter how small or great, a donation that exceeds your normal means to participate is regarded as an offering of great wealth and is extremely auspicious.
• Donations can be in the form of money, or needed goods and services. Check with a Dharma center location or with Domo Geshe Rinpoche to find out what is needed.
• Members of Western churches often donate about 5% of their monthly income to support their minister and church.
• Participants in career development seminars often pay between $100 and $1500 for a day of training.

Making offerings

The ceremony with which you present items is not as important as focusing on making a heartfelt offering. It is important to remember that offerings come from the heart. What you are offering on the outside can pale in comparison to what you offer from your heart -- a penny can become limitless wealth and a single piece of fruit can be the most bountiful meal.

First, calm your mind and visualize your most heartfelt offering. Kneel or bow if you can and present your items with both hands, bringing them close to the level of your head if possible, but not if it means endangering your balance. You may also envision that you are making this offering so that you yourself may eventually be of benefit to all sentient beings.

Types of offerings

Money
While some students hesitate to offer money at appointments or teachings because they think it is too impersonal, this is actually the most versatile offering. Money offerings will be applied to the purchase of the most urgently needed items for the Dharma Center and for Rinpoche's accommodations.

Place your check or money in a white or light colored envelope. If you would like, sign your name on the outside. You may leave your offering on the small table outside the appointment area, or offer it to Rinpoche at the appropriate time during the appointment or teaching.

Altar offerings
Some examples of these offerings are fruit, candy, delicious pastries, flowering plants, candles, incense, Dharma texts, and precious gemstones. Choose new items that are lighter in color or have a specific meaning. Avoid black if possible - it is considered inauspicious. Offerings of fruit and candy are presented in a basket or bowl and arranged to look beautiful and bountiful. Choose a container that is slightly smaller than the amount of fruit you have to offer, and heap the offering over the top for a bountiful effect. Consider garnishing fruit baskets with nuts or candy. Smaller items and pastries are offered in beautiful packages, if possible. Look for quality items with nice packaging, or wrap items in beautiful paper or cloth.

Goods and services
Goods and supplies are often needed for the Dharma Center and for Domo Geshe Rinpoche's accommodations. Both locations have a wish list for needed items, and it is important to check with a Dharma center coordinator or with Rinpoche to see what supplies are currently needed. Items can range from food and beverages to computer equipment. Smaller items can be offered in beautifully wrapped packages. Larger items can be itemized in a list which is then offered in a white envelope.

Services are an especially auspicious gift, and can include sewing, accounting, carpentry, landscaping, or other needed items. Check with your nearest Dharma center to find out what volunteer services are currently needed.