Overview

A fully-ordained Theravada Buddhist nun in the Forest Tradition has chosen to live in a way that may mystify many people raised in the West. Amma Thanasanti Bhikkhuni’s lifestyle of renunciation not only requires her to live on faith — utterly dependent on others for basic needs for survival — but also offers a unique opportunity for laypeople to deepen their understanding of the Dhamma through direct service.

While supporting monastics is an integral part of life in a Buddhist country like Thailand, it demands an adjustment for Westerners culturally attuned to self-reliance and independence. You can experience what a relationship with a monastic feels like and what effect it has on your sense of community and practice. Through drawing near, you can feel the effects of giving. You can see how others benefit from contact with the Dhamma. These are all contexts for learning how and when it is most helpful to support Amma personally or the mission of Awakening Truth as an organization.

An Economy of Generosity

A unique feature of Shakti Vihara and all Awakening Truth activities is that we operate on the principle of dana, a Sanskrit and Pali term meaning "generosity" or "giving".

In accordance with the monastic lifestyle set out by the Buddha, Amma Thanasanti Bhikkhuni lives solely by donations. There is no charge for teachings or use of the facilities. However, operational expenses for rent, maintenance, travel, and health insurance need to be paid.

You are able to have access to these teachings because previous recipients of teachings gave generously so that the Awakening Truth would continue. Similarly, your generous giving – dana – will enable Amma to continue teaching and other people to come to benefit from the Dhamma just as you will.

There are several aspects to dana:

1. Commitment to do no harm: Your effort to live with precepts and to refrain from harming any being, including yourself creates a powerful field of goodness for the world.

2. Commitment to put the teachings into practice: The highest form of generosity is to take the teachings to heart and put them into practice; that is the greatest way that the teachers can be repaid for their teaching.

3. Dana for sustaining Shakti Vihara: Monetary offerings enable the hermitage to continue to exist and to be able to provide not only a home and basic needs for the monastics in residence but also retreats, interactive inquiry, vigils , and other events for you and many others to attend in the future. This is possible solely due to your and others' kind donations. Tax-deductible donations are most welcome and can be made online via PayPal or sending a check to Awakening Truth, c/o Treasurer, 101 Soquel Avenue, apt #405, Santa Cruz, CA 95060, USA

4. Food dana: As monastics, we do not buy food. Everything we eat and share with our guests is offered by the lay community. Food offerings and meal purchases can be made by contacting Darcie at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or checking to see what is needed on the Dana list.

5. Offer of requisites: If you wish to offer something for personal use, the item can either be offered directly or funds can be given to a layperson who can then purchase the item and offer it later. Ask directly if there is anything needed that you could offer. It’s helpful to be specific about what you have in mind, e.g., “Please let me know if you need transport to the retreat center,” or “I would like to offer to take you anywhere you need to go during the time of your stay,” or “Please let me know if you need any medicines/sandals/a toothbrush.” Monastic discipline prohibits receiving, carrying, or using money, although money substitutes, such as transit tickets, frequent flyer miles, gift cards, and stamps are acceptable and most welcome.

6. Your time and talent: Offerings of knowledge, skills, and contacts to help develop the infrastructure, funding base, and organization (including committee and board members,  graphics, web development, computer support, data base management, logistics) are welcome! In particular what are needed are the following:

· Administrative Assistant Help coordinate events, teaching calendar and travel

· Volunteer Coordinator: Support, direct and thank our volunteer team

· Social Media Coordinator: Oversees the facebook groups and pages and works with web team to support an up to date and interactive website

Please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to ask about details and offer your support.

7.      Sharing the vision and Aims of Awakening Truth with colleagues and friends.

Just as monastics in the Buddha's time were sustained by the offerings of the lay community, Shakti Vihara residents and the Awakening Truth organization depends on the kindness of others. When you make a contribution to support either the monastics or the organization, you nurture your own virtuous aspiration and help create a field of blessings that supports others to do the same.