Dāna: donations, giving, gifts; pron. DAH-na

Dāna allows Ring of Bone Zendo to continue to be a welcoming place to explore Zen Buddhist practice. Dāna takes many forms, and without it, our lay, all-volunteer organization wouldn’t be here.

How do I make a donation?

We also depend on and appreciate financial contributions to cover needs that volunteer labor alone can’t meet: to provide materials for the upkeep of the zendo, to purchase supplies and professional services, and to offer dāna to our teacher.

Gifts to Ring of Bone Zendo are fully tax deductible. If you need a receipt for a donation or if you have any questions about donations, please write to Ed Sheffner ~ edsheffner@gmail.com ~ PO Box 1525, Nevada City, CA 95959.

  • Folks who prefer to make donations using digital technology should use the Venmo app and make donations out to the username @ROBZ_NC. Click here to setup an account on your computer so you can make payment (you can also use the Venmo app on your phone).

  • You can simply write a check to ROBZ and send it to Ring of Bone Zendo, PO Box 1525, Nevada City, CA 95959.

How do I make a gift to a special use fund?

You may direct your gift to a particular fund or project, such as the Teachers’ Fund, General Fund, Building Fund, Childcare Fund, or the Sangha Assistance Fund. You may also make a split gift. All undesignated gifts will go into the General Fund.

  • This is used for maintenance, practice supplies and all other general expenses.

  • Anonymous dana disbursed in thanks to teachers and lecturers who serve Ring of Bone.

  • Helps members with small children to pay for childcare so that they can attend zendo events and practice more easily.

  • We use this for capital improvements and infrastructure projects at the zendo.

  • This fund helps sangha members who are in need of emergency support.






How do I volunteer?

Many hours of volunteer work make it possible for Ring of Bone Zendo to offer its program, publish a newsletter, maintain its buildings and grounds, meet the needs of members and visitors, and offer events to the community. We welcome all contributions of time and effort. They are essential to the function of the zendo.