Dana Pāramī (The Perfection of Giving)

Abstract

Every religion in the world likes to teach that charity is important. This is the case with Buddhism also. The Buddha describes the three central practices as Dana (generosity), Sila (morality) and Bhavana (meditation). Bhikkhu Bodhi writes, “the practice of giving is universally recognized as one of the most basic human virtues”, and Susan Elbaum Jootle confirms that it is a basis of merit or wholesome kamma and when practiced in itself, it leads ultimately to liberation from the cycle of repeated existence”. Buddhists do not seek publicity for charity. But it is the practice of the vehicle of great enlightenment (mahābodhiyāna) to improve their skillfulness in accumulating the requisites for enlightenment. We now undertake a detailed explanation of the Dana Pāramī.