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What is Dana?
What is Dana?
Dana is the Pali word for giving, the active expression of generosity. In his time almost 2600 years ago, the Buddha structured things so that village people would provide the four requisites of food, robes, shelter and medicine for the monastics, and asked that monks and nuns freely give teachings to the laypeople. Through the reciprocal generosity of teachers and students, laypeople and monastics, the teachings have flourished in many different locations and cultures, allowing millions of people to cultivate greater wisdom and compassion. Not only have the teachings benefitted many, but also the way they have been transmitted has been imbued with generosity and sharing.
In keeping with the spirit of the practice of dana, it is important to cultivate the heart and mind of generosity while one is in the midst of giving. The intention or the quality of the heart and mind with which one gives is the very place where the spiritual path and compassionate action come together. In this way, acts of generosity of any size are of equal merit in the field of benefit that is cultivated by the donor.
Dana as a practice is directly related to the core insights of what the Buddha taught: experiencing ourselves as not separate from others, and letting go of clinging into freedom. When we come to know the truth of interconnectedness we can open our hearts and give without reservation. May the practice of giving bring joy and freedom to your heart, and to the hearts of all beings.
A Culture of Generosity
A Culture of Generosity
“The donor, before giving, is glad; while giving, his/her mind is inspired; and after giving, is gratified. These are the three factors of the donor…" AN 6.37
For the donors, this means that if they want to feel glad, inspired, and gratified at their gift, they should not see the gift as payment for personal services rendered by individual monks or nuns. That would turn the gift into wages, and deprive it of its emotional power. Instead, they'd be wise to look for trustworthy recipients: people who are training — or have trained — their minds to be cleaned and undefiled. They should also give their gift in a respectful way so that the act of giving will reinforce the gladness that inspired it, and will inspire the recipient to value their gift.
– from the essay No Strings Attached, Thanisarro Bhikkhu
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When making donations via the Paypal links below, please specify that the recipient is "friends and family," not a vendor.
To avoid paying charge card fees, use a bank account rather than credit card (set up a free PayPal account at paypal.com).
If you would like to make a donation to John Travis, please use the Mountain Stream button.
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