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दान

Dāna

Generosity / Giving

佈施

beginnerVirtues & Perfections (波羅蜜)

Grammar 語法

neuter noun (a-stem): from deti (to give)

Definition 釋義

The first of the ten pāramitās (perfections) — the quality and practice of giving without attachment to the gift, the recipient, or the result. Dāna is also foundational to lay Buddhist ethics: supporting the monastic Sangha, giving to the poor, and offering to the Dhamma. The Buddha began his gradual training (anupubbikathā) with dāna because generosity loosens the grip of lobha (greed) and creates the mental spaciousness for sīla and samādhi to develop. Dāna generates meritorious kamma (puñña) and purifies the mind.

Canonical Example 典籍例句

Dānañca dhammacariyā ca, etaṃ maṅgalamuttamaṃ.

Generosity and conduct according to Dhamma — this is the highest blessing.

Source: Mahāmaṅgala Sutta, Sn 2.4