Dana (Sanskrit/Pali for generosity) is the first of the paramitas, or transcendent perfections. It is a practice that involves giving without expecting anything in return, including offering time, energy, material support, or other resources to help others. The highest form of dana is particularly about providing means and inspiration to practice dharma. It can also mean offering compassion, loving-kindness, wisdom, and protection from fear or harm.

Caga (Sanskrit/Pali) refers to the quality of mind or heart that drives the act of giving, or inspires us to “feel generous.” It can also mean “giving up” or “abandonment.” Practicing generosity enhances this quality of heart, caga.

The Buddha taught that dana is the foundation for spiritual practice and counters stinginess, a barrier to enlightenment. Giving without expecting anything in return can lead to spiritual wealth, inner peace, and greater contentment, while diminishing acquisitive, grasping, or greedy habits of mind that lead to suffering.

Generosity is a powerful antidote to selfishness, greed, and the self-centeredness that dominate contemporary society. Generosity can be practiced with one’s actions, words, and deeds, in many large and small ways.

For those who struggle with giving, the Buddha offered the practice of taking a stone in one hand and then giving it to the other hand. Try this and reflect on the experience. As a small group or individually, identify an area where you can practice generosity, then carry out your plan. Reflect on the experience.

• Why is giving sometimes easy and sometimes hard?
• What factors influence whether you feel like being generous?

Differentiate between ordinary giving and transcendent generosity (dana) that expects nothing in return; analyze how the quality of mind (caga) influences the spiritual impact of generous acts; and design a practice of multi-dimensional giving that cultivates non-attachment while addressing the varied but specific needs of others.