in the united states?

[dhammastudier]

Since the Buddha's time, the teachings have traditionally been given away free of charge, passing freely from teacher to student, from friend to friend. The teachings are regarded as priceless, and have been conveyed to us across the centuries by an unbroken stream of generosity — the very foundation of all the Buddha's teachings. I would investigate closely anyone charging for the Buddha's teachings, and I would completely avoid anyone charging dearly for them.

It may be that, if a private venue has been hired, that separate charges are made for accommodation - but the Dhamma Teachings should always be freely given.

As an example, Bodhi Tree Monastery (the home of Buddhanet.net), like most Theravada monasteries, does not impose a charge for Retreats - food, accommodation or Teachings. Most yogis, of course, give Dana generously - but this is by choice, and no note is taken of who gives and who does not.

with metta
Chris

cool that's what i was figuring. if someone is making you pay for that type of thing it's probably a scam artist who is book-learned on the topic and will hold you in a slow moving state of learning to keep the money flowing. and if not that, it's a person who is not very mastered in the art as they are not generous and compassionate toward the poor. i've already trained with a master and some nuns for free many times so i think that's proof alone.

[hamishmarshal]

Refugees from war in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos settle in USA and Europe, establishing many tight-knit Buddhist communities in the West. Ven. Taungpulu Sayadaw. Lay meditation centers grow in popularity in USA and Europe. First Theravada forest monastery in the USA (Bhavana Society) is established in West Virginia. Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. Then it continued western expansion of the Theravada Sangha monasteries from the thai forest traditions established in California, USA (Metta Forest Monastery).

[dhammastudier]

Refugees from war in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos settle in USA and Europe, establishing many tight-knit Buddhist communities in the West. Ven. Taungpulu Sayadaw. Lay meditation centers grow in popularity in USA and Europe. First Theravada forest monastery in the USA (Bhavana Society) is established in West Virginia. Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. Then it continued western expansion of the Theravada Sangha monasteries from the thai forest traditions established in California, USA (Metta Forest Monastery).

um... ok... thanx?

[richard_rca]

Reanimation!

What is the visa situation when it comes to europeans ordaining in the states? Seeing how a U.S citizenship is pretty desireable for many people around the world, and you generally would have to be skilled or get married to get a residency, are internationals given some sort of religious worker sponsorship or something?