By tradition, Buddhist lay followers offer meals (called Dana) to the monastic community. Monastics depend on the offerings of their lay followers as they only eat food that is offered to them. Often, a meal offering is made to honor a special event in someone’s life such as a birthday, a marriage or to commemorate a family member on the three month or one year anniversary of their death. Or, a meal may also be offered simply to support the monks and the monastery.

Basic Meal Dana Guidelines

• Food may be all Sri Lankan dishes, all American dishes, or include some of both. This is up to you.
• Please use very little oil
• Please do not make dishes spicy
• Please clean the kitchen and wash dishes after your meal (paper plates are available)

How to offer a meal

• Find a date by checking the calendar
• Email (info@bhavanasociety.org) or call (304) 856-3241 to reserve a date

Offering a monetary donation instead of cooking:
Please click here to visit the monetary donation page