Dana Vihara
Supporting the path of practice, understanding, and liberation
Who We Are
Dana Vihara is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making the liberating teachings of the Buddha accessible to all.
Founded in 2022, we support the growing community of practitioners who gather around meditation teacher Beth Upton, whose decade as a Sayalay in Myanmar and subsequent return to lay life have shaped a teaching style rooted in depth, clarity, and lived experience.
Dana Vihara exists to ensure that anyone who wishes to learn, practice, and grow under this guidance has the opportunity to do so.
What We Do
We believe sincere practice should never be limited by financial means. Dana Vihara raises funds so that anyone—regardless of income—can attend meditation retreats and events led or endorsed by Beth* or her assistant teachers.
Support includes:
- Teacher travel
- Food, lodging and supplies for participants
- Essential retreat supplies
- Special projects
*Dana Vihara does not provide financial support for Beth, her assistant teachers, retreat managers or retreat staff.
The Difference You Make
In 2025, Dana Vihara supported 125 persons in either group retreats lasting 15 or 30 days or individual retreats lasting weeks and, sometimes, months - that's nearly 2500 days fostering the Path through meditation at a cost of less than $15/day! Many could not attend without the generous donations of persons committed to the practice of the Dhamma.
Our Projects
We help create and maintain the physical spaces that support deep meditation.
Kuti Before
Recent projects include the reconstruction of a kuti at the Sitagu Buddhist Vihara in Austin, Texas—a building that required extensive repair due to roof damage and mold.
Kuti Rehab After
Thanks to dedicated volunteers and donor support, the kuti is now a clean, safe, and welcoming space for practice.
Tents and Camping Equipment
Due to space limitations, Dana Vihara has purchased tents and camping equipment so even more people can attend Sitagu retreats.
The heart of Dana Vihara is generosity. Your support helps ensure that anyone with the aspiration to practice can do so—freely, safely, and wholeheartedly.
Whether through funding retreat expenses, supporting teacher travel, or maintaining spaces for meditation, your contribution directly strengthens the conditions for the Dhamma to flourish.
If you feel inspired to help, we invite you to support our work and join us in nurturing a community grounded in wisdom, compassion, and liberation.