CLASSIFICATION OF DĀNA

There are three types of dāna namely: Āmisa dāna, Abhaya dāna and Dhamma dāna.

1.    The gift of material things (Āmisa Dāna): Providing the catu paccaya, four basic needs of a Bhikkhu (member of the monastic order) like food, shelter, clothing and medicines. Providing the above four basic needs, money and all material things to fellow lay people. Offerings made in veneration of the Buddha like flowers, incense, lighted lamps and such other offerings.

Benefits of Āmisa Dāna: Giving the catu paccaya, the four basic needs bring five benefits to the recipient including long life, good appearance, well-being, strength and wisdom.

2.    The gift of fearlessness (Abhaya Dāna): Giving loving protection, trust, warmness, tolerance, comfort, and safety to those who are in distress and fear with words, actions and prayers. Saving lives of animals taken for slaughter, giving refuge to one who is distress, healing patients in pain and discomfort or even a small act of freeing a bird or a pet in a cage.

Benefits of Abhaya Dāna: The giver of Abhaya dāna gets long life and has no enemy.

3.    The gift of the dhamma (Dhamma Dāna): The gift of the Dhamma excels all gifts because it eradicates ignorance and craving to overcomes all suffering (dukkha). The taste of the Dhamma excels all tastes; The joy in the Dhamma excels all joys.