“Of the four methods of guidance of a bodhisattva, the first teaching is giving, or dana. Dana is the first perfection—dana paramita. That gives you the feeling for the importance of generosity,” says Senior Dharma Teacher Zenkei Blanche Hartman.
L-R: David Zimmerman (Program Director), Blanche Hartman (Senior Dharma Teacher), Djinn Gallagher (Meditation Hall Manager), and Jennifer Orr (Senior Development Associate).
Blanche was the first woman abbess at San Francisco Zen Center, and her involvement with Zen Center started in the late sixties. Since then and to this day, Blanche makes donations to Zen Center and participates in the activities that generate revenue for this beloved place. “Dana includes financial support and participation,” says Blanche. “It is the fullest kind of return for investment in practice.” She continues: “When we practice, we feel very grateful for our practice—and I feel that generosity and gratitude are very close companions.”
During this season of giving, please remember the teachers, staff, students and facilities of Zen Center that rely on your support, and make a financial contribution today.
Gratefully,
Jennifer Orr
SFZC Senior Development Associate
