A philosophy of generosity

Following in the footsteps of Denis Robberechts, who strives to make meditation accessible and integrate it into everyday life, the question of money is not overlooked but becomes an extension of the practice of Dharma. Inspired by the Indian philosophy of ‘dana’, this principle of voluntary donation is central to the transmission of spiritual teachings. This is not a fixed price, but rather recognition of the inestimable value of the tools offered for inner transformation. As Denis emphasises through his commitment to spreading meditation without dogma and beyond the usual frameworks, access to these practices should be guided by generosity and the ability of each individual.

That is why this approach makes perfect sense during meditation retreats. Donating money is not a payment, but a conscious offering that supports the teachers and the organisation, enabling them to continue spreading the teachings. It is a precious opportunity to show generosity, practise detachment and cultivate pure intentions. In each of us, a whole process takes place during the act of giving, which in itself teaches us something. Where do we place our deepest interest, to whom do we decide to ‘give’ our money, often earned through hard work or effort? Contradictory points of view – generous or egocentric, realistic or unrealistic, etc. – emerge within us. This flurry of impulses, these internal struggles about how much we will ultimately put in the box, reflect our movements of opening and closing in the face of life. There is much to learn from experiencing and observing them. This path unlocks a natural generosity, often imprisoned by our egocentricity and mistrust. We are the primary beneficiaries of this liberation.
To be an act of wisdom, the generosity we are talking about must not be ill-considered. The result of a deep love for life and an awareness of what it needs to evolve healthily, it also takes into account our current means.

Every contribution, regardless of size, helps to ensure the sustainability of these spaces of peace and transformation. It is an active way of recognising that the spiritual benefits gained from practice are an intangible asset, and that the possibility of receiving them depends on everyone’s support.

For an organisation such as Dharma Nature, which works to create and maintain these moments of connection with oneself and the community at the heart of life, financial support through donations is of paramount importance. It is not just a question of covering logistical costs – venue hire, infrastructure maintenance, event organisation, which are often charged at a fixed price – but also of enabling the development of new projects. This support ensures that Dharma Nature can continue to offer its retreats to a diverse audience, including those with limited resources, while maintaining its philosophy of donation. It enables the association to explore new initiatives, expand its reach and adapt its programmes to places where they are truly needed, such as prisons, where Dharma Nature has been working for two years.
Without this generous support, the association’s ability to pursue its mission of spreading meditation and its philosophy would be severely limited, depriving us all of these valuable exchanges. Donations thus become an act of commitment, directly contributing to the vitality and success of Dharma Nature’s projects.

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