Everything here — the classes, the cushions, the electricity, the meals during events — is carried by people who give quietly and without being asked. There is no suggested amount and no tier. Give what is right for you, or give nothing and simply come and visit.

In the Theravāda tradition dāna — giving comes first, before ethics and before meditation. Not because the centre needs funding, though it does, but because generosity is understood to be where practice begins. Giving is a practice you are doing, not a bill you are settling.

Ways people give

• Give towards the daily running of the centre

  Electricity, water, cushions, books, tea after puja. Unglamorous and constant.

• Give towards the new centre

  The four-storey building at Taman Johor Jaya. Contributions to the building fund can be earmarked separately.

• Offer requisites to visiting monastics

  When monks stay with us, the traditional offering is food and basic requisites rather than money. We will tell you what is needed.

• Give your time

  Setting up the hall, helping with the children’s class, driving someone to puja. This is dāna too, and it is often what we are shortest of.