Dāna
According to Buddhist traditions the paramis or paramitas are qualities that must be developed on the path of awakening. When these are enumerated in the texts, the first parami is always dāna—generosity, the antidote to greed. A common recitation reads “through generosity and other virtues may I attain Buddhahood for the sake of all that lives”.
Dāna is given freely, from the heart, with no expectation of a return. It lightens the mind, combatting depressive tendencies, and paradoxically leads to increased abundance in one’s material situation, enriching both giver and receiver.
From the perspective of spiritual development we are fortunate to have opportunities to practice dāna. This is especially the case with regard to supporting Dharma activities. The Dharma Fellowship and many of our teachers rely primarily on the generosity of the community for their practical requirements.
