In the Pali literature the word Sangha is a meaning designated to the community of Bhikkhus (monks). There are two levels of Sangha. One is Ariya Sangha consisting of the four noble enlightened people. Another is Bhikkhu Sangha who are striving for enlightenment. The monks have renounced everything and entered monastic life fully dedicated to study and practice the Buddha Dhamma to attain enlightenment. The monks don’t own any property or wealth. Nor they ask anybody to give this or that.

 It is the responsibility of lay householders to support the Sangha by offering the material needs like food, clothes, living place, medicine and other daily needs. The monks in turn support the lay people by preaching the Dhamma and meditation to overcome sufferings and lead peaceful life. The Buddha has established this system wherein monastic and laity are depending on each other by supporting each other to progress harmoniously fulfilling their commitments in life.

Sanghadana when practiced, it brings immense punya – merits. When laity are supporting monks, who are trying to walk on the path of enlightenment, according to the law of kamma, laity will in turn get the opportunities and support to progress on the path. Sanghadana also purifies the mind and reduces defilements, specially greed and attachment and related fear and anxiety.

You may offer these things as Sanghadana

• Food
• Civara – clothes of monks
• Donations for monastery buildings
• Medicines
• Daily usables like soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, cleaning materials, etc
• The needs of monastery like brooms, doormats, bedsheets, mattresses, blankets, nets, etc
• The needs in the kitchen like vessels, plates, cups, etc
• The needs in the temple like carpets, cushions, sound system, lighting, etc.
• Or any other thing that you observe as a need. When you visit please watch carefully and see what are the needs there and try to organize yourself or with a group of people.
• Or you may say to the monks that you wish to offer dana of certain amount and is there any particular thing needed for which monks may suggest the needs of monastery.
• Or you may offer money in the office or monastery account or to the lay assistant to use for any need for the monks and monastery.

You may offer any of these in the name of your beloved people living or expired. Normally the monks give blessings and dhamma teachings and share merits with all beings whenever you make an offering. You may offer on any special days like your birthday, marriage anniversary, children’s special days, or whenever you feel.