DĀNA – THE PRACTICE OF GIVING

Dāna is an essential and integral part of Buddhist practice. It embodies the practice of non-attachment. Dāna is an antidote to the poisons of selfishness, greed, attachment, craving and clinging that bind worldlings to the cycle of Saṃsāra. Dāna, which is beautiful in the beginning, beautiful in the middle and beautiful at the end. Dāna is the beginning of the path to Nibbāna.  The practice of giving allows the giver to practice relinquishing and letting go of the greed and attachment.

Worldlings give for various reasons. Some give for the sake of fame expecting that the deed be recognized. Some may give out of fear for incurring the wrath of God. Some individuals may also give for overcoming the negative effects from their unwholesome actions and livelihoods. Others may give due to social pressure, belief and many people practice the act of giving with expectation of something in return. Though the above can be said to be giving, but they stem from a defiled mind, that is filled with greed, anger and delusion – and as such they are not true giving.

Dāna is a step towards overcoming the three poisons - greed (lobha), hatred (dosa) and delusion (moha). The practice of giving is a fundamental and essential virtue in one’s spiritual development. Dāna, when given with pure volition, clear understanding, and wisdom before, during and after the act are immeasurable just like water in the ocean which cannot be measured with cups and pots.