Among Buddhist practitioners, generosity is often referred to as “dana,” which is the word for “generosity arising effortlessly from deep gratitude” in Pali, the language of the Buddha.

Dana is the first of the perfections necessary for awakening in both Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism. By putting food into a monk’s begging bowl each morning, Southeast Asians learn to practice dana before learning meditation.  Dana is a joyful way of being, and includes a variety of practices from sharing a smile to full-time service, and includes spiritual practice and gifts of money, time, energy, goods, and supplies.

The teachings of the Buddha are considered priceless and are offered freely, so monks, lay teachers, and Buddhist centers are supported by the generosity practice of those who receive these teachings.

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