Dāna: Selfless Giving, Devotion, Generosity
Dāna is selfless giving and plays a key role on the path of liberation.
Unselfish giving opens the heart, ego-centeredness recedes into the background for a moment and opens the perspective to care for the well-being of others. Dāna is the possibility to give out of a wholesome intention without expecting anything in return.
If one only gives what is left over, sees it as a way to save money, or expects a profit at the moment of giving, this giving does not represent true generosity. It is about truly giving from the heart. This can be one's own time, energy or material resources. It is not so much about the material value of a gift, but more about one's own value that one attaches to it and that one is willing to pass on. The act of giving is an important part of the path for overcoming greed and cultivating loving kindness.
Dāna belongs to the roots of the Buddhist tradition, according to which the teaching is passed on without a fixed participation fee. Thus, the teaching is accessible to everyone. The teachers and the place of meditation practice receive a freely chosen donation - Dāna - from all participants. Dāna is a way of saying thank you and expressing one's appreciation. It is an act of voluntary giving and is highly valuable for the donors themselves.
Through generosity, the lay community ensures that the basic needs of the teachers are met and that the place of practice can continue.
When we ask ourselves how much we should give, we come to terms with our priorities: What is really important to us in this life? Compared to other aspects in everyday life - how much is our spiritual development worth to us? How much do we want to and can give? What do we spend our time on, who do we support and what do we put our energy into? When do I give what is left and when am I generous?
Selfless giving is an attribute of a wise person who has risen above self, above self-centeredness.
Right generosity cannot be forced: It is part of the practice and reveals itself when mindfulness bears fruit. Then the heart becomes quite light and a harmony between giving and receiving arises.
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