Throughout history, key individuals have generously offered their resources—time, money, energy, creativity, and more—to support the dharma. Some began as criminals or warriors, like King Ashoka, but through their encounters with the dharma, they found peace. This transformation inspired them to promote the teachings. Some believe that the greatest gift is the practice of the dharma.

Studying some of the stories of the great patrons provides a deeper understanding of all they accomplished and how their tremendous efforts helped ensure we still have access to the buddhadharma today.

Some important patrons include: Anathapindika and Visakha, Ganapati, Vimalakirti, Ashoka, Visakha, Kanishka, Milinda, Harshvardhan, Gopāla, Dharmapāla, Devpala, and Rampala, King Bimbisāra, King Pasenadi, Kumargupta, and Buddhagupta in India. Emperor Wu of Liang, Empress Wu Zetian, and Empress Cisheng in China. Maha Thammaracha I, Kruba Srivichai, Taksin the Great, and Ajahn Chah in Thailand. Mingun Sayadaw, Waya-zawta, Medawi, Anawrahta, Kyanzittha, Alaungsithu of Burma. King Devanampiya Tissa, Sanghamitta of Sri Lanka. Prince Shotoku of Japan. Chinggis Khan, Khubilai Khan, Altan Khan of Mongolia. King Trisong Deutsen, King Songtsen Gampo, Thangtong Gyalpo of Tibet and Bhutan.

The tradition of supporting and propagating the dharma goes on in modern times, with patrons such as Gene Smith, Gerard Godet, Alak Zenkar Rinpoche, Eric Colombel, and the many supporters of Khyentse Foundation and 84000. Today, the opportunity to support mission-aligned non-profit organizations makes it possible for people of varying means to join together and collectively become patrons of the dharma.

Offering our resources—our body, speech, and mind—to support the propagation of the dharma is considered a great deed that brings merit.

Reflect on the experience of supporting an individual or organization that is propagating wisdom and compassion.

• What feelings does it inspire to think about the actions these patrons took?
• Who are some modern patrons of the dharma, and what do they support?
• Are you inspired to take any small actions to support the dharma?
• What are some other everyday activities that contemporary philanthropists support?
• How important is motivation when supporting a cause?

Compare and contrast the contributions of at least three significant Buddhist patrons across different historical periods and cultural contexts; analyze how patronage has been essential for dharma preservation and transmission; and evaluate contemporary opportunities for supporting the practice and preservation of the buddhadharma while implementing specific actions that contribute to wisdom and compassion in modern contexts.