The Priory offers meditation, Dharma talks, Buddhist services including funerals, naming ceremonies, animal memorials, retreats, spiritual counseling, and all other services without charging a fee. We are supported entirely by donations of our community (Sangha) and friends. The generosity of the Priory Sangha is what makes it possible for the Priory to exist and for the Dharma to be freely offered to whomever is interested. Our appreciation and gratitude is extended to all those who contribute their spiritual practice, money, time, energy, and various gifts to the Priory.

Becoming a Member

Charity is one of the four wisdoms and demonstrates the Bodhisattva’s aspiration. One of the best ways to help the Priory is to make the commitment to be a member of the Priory. What this involves is making a pledge to contribute a certain amount of money to the Priory each month. There is no set or recommended amount as we leave it up to each individual to offer what he or she feels is approperiate. This commitment is a tremendous help to the Priory for it gives us stable fiancial base. More importantly, deciding to become a member has deep spiritual significance. it means you are choosing to help take responsibility for the continued existence of the Priory.

Some of you may only be able to pledge a few dollars a month and think that it is not worth making such an insignificant commitment. Yet it is important to be part of the Priory. The most important help members bring to the Priory and the Sangha is not their donations but their Buddhist practice. By being willing to come to the Priory and train with others, we help make the Priory a true refuge of the Sangha.

We are not suggesting that everyone who occasionally attends the Priory or gives us donations should become a member. For many people. it is not appropriate to make a commitment, and we welcome them to join us whenever they wish, to help us in the manner they feel appropriate, and to be valued friends of the Priory.

Donation

The Priory depends entirely upon donations for its continued existence. All of Priory’s teachings, services and activities are offered without charge. We are deeply grateful for all support. Making donations online is also made easy and available.

Berkeley Buddhist Priory is a 501c(3) non-profit organization and all donations are tax deductible under the United States tax code. If you would like a year-end receipt for tax purposes, please provide us your name and address with your donation.

Food Offering

Providing monks with food is the traditional offering given when coming to a Buddhist temple, and we appreciate all the generous food offerings we have been given which provide most of the food for the Priory. To help the Sangha’s offering of what are needed, we post and update the list below. You are also welcome to check with the Priory.

Currently the Priory can use the following:

Cereal/Granola, Nuts (Unsalted), Soy/Oat Milk,
Tofu, Eggs, Vegetarian Burgers, Vegetables, Fruit,
Herbal Tea, Toilet Paper, Paper Towels, Tissues.

“When a virtuous person to a virtuous person gives with a trusting heart a gift righteously obtained placing faith that the fruit of action is great that gift, I say, will come to full fruition.”

~ Shakyamuni Buddha