Dana, Giving or Generosity in Buddhism

"If beings knew, as I know, the results of giving & sharing, they would not eat without having given, nor would the stain of selfishness overcome their minds. Even if it were their last bite, their last mouthful, they would not eat without having shared, if there were someone to receive their gift. But because beings do not know, as I know, the results of giving & sharing, they eat without having given. The stain of selfishness overcomes their minds."

Passage #1 (Iti 26: If People Knew the Result of Giving) translated by »John D. Ireland or »Thanissaro Bhikkhu.

About Dana

In Buddhism, the practice of giving, known as "dana" in Pali, is one of the basic moral principles and forms the basis of both lay and monastic ethics. Giving is not just about donating money or material goods, but also encompasses generosity of spirit and actions that benefit others. The motivation behind the act of giving is also important, as it should come from a place of compassion and a desire to help others, rather than from a sense of duty or obligation.


In Buddhism, there are different types of giving, each with its own benefits. These include:


Dana given to the Sangha (the community of Buddhist monks and nuns) for the purpose of supporting their spiritual practice and promoting the spread of Buddhism.

Dana given to people in need, such as the poor, the sick, and the elderly, in order to alleviate suffering and help them improve their circumstances.

Dana given to worthy individuals, such as teachers and spiritual guides, in order to show respect and gratitude, and to support their work.

One of the key principles of dana is that it should be given freely and without expectation of return. This means that the giver should not expect to receive anything in return for their gift, whether it is material goods, good karma, or spiritual attainment.


By practicing dana, Buddhists believe that they can cultivate generosity and develop a spirit of selflessness, both of which are important qualities on the path to enlightenment. The practice of dana also helps to decrease greed and attachment to material possessions, and increase the feeling of interdependence and connectedness with others.


Additionally, one interesting thing is that traditionally dana isn't something you only give to a monk or nun. Giving dana is for anyone who help someone in need. Therefore giving money to beggar on the street, volunteering at an animal shelter, and even giving a compliment can be considered as dana.


It is also important to note that Dana is not only giving out material resources, but also giving away time, energy, attention and even a kind word. Giving to others is not only a act of generosity, but also a act of selflessness, which is a virtue and a spiritual training that can help you to let go of your own ego, and even to transcend from suffering, and reach the ultimate goal of Buddhism, that is enlightenment.