Dhammagiri also supports the lay community in their practice of the Buddhist teachings. By offering almsfood and other requisites to the monastic community, and by sharing their merits with deceased relatives and all living beings, visitors to the Hermitage develop generosity (dāna) in the traditional Buddhist form. After the meal, the senior monk is available for discussion. Visitors can deepen their theoretical knowledge of the Buddha's teaching, and receive instructions and encouragement to apply this knowledge to their own particular problems and conditions in everyday life.