Mindfulness And The Philosophy Of Dana

Dana (Dah - Na) is a Pali word meaning generosity. Dana is the basis of Buddhism especially when we warmly look at the roots of this valuable principle. When we think of generosity, especially in the West, we often think of a financial gift and although it certainly can be, this first or second line of thought is a result of the type of society we live in. So much of what we do daily is based upon some form of commercial transaction. 'If I buy this expensive gift for them then they will get me something expensive in return'. Is that truly a gift of Dana? It's not and certainly represents a disconnect between money and Dana. 

When we look into the true meaning of Dana we see it's much, much more than money. Dana is unrestricted generosity, it is vulnerability, it is love. Let's consider you, your being for a moment. No matter where you are at this very moment, you have a body, you have a mind, you are alive. No matter what your position is on life and creation, you exist and that is a gift whether purposeful endowment or universal chemical mishap, it matters not.

When the Buddha transmitted the Dharma he often talked about generosity. But since Dana doesn't always include money how are we supposed to be 'generous'? 

We may simply start with ourselves. When we live an ethically guided life others cultivate trust in us. They trust our words. They trust our actions. And they trust our decisions. Being trustworthy is a wonderful gift we may give to others.

Presence is another generous gift we may offer. If we choose to have a child we expect to offer them a significant portion of our time. We love them. Nurture them. Bathe them. Feed them. Help them with homework as they enter school, and more. But is there more we may offer? Of course there is. Perhaps at your job they offer volunteer work with various humanitarian organizations. Helping others that you know have no way to help you back is truly generous.

Spiritual friendship is another wonderful gift we may offer. The third jewel of Buddhism is the Sangha. Although originally a Sangha was the monastic community we may lovingly expand that definition to include the community we live in. We support our neighborhood by maintaining our homes and yard if we have one. A well maintained home supports the entire neighborhood by being aesthetically pleasing. We are there for our neighbors in times of celebration, like a birthday party or births, and we are there for them in times of grief like the passing of a loved one. Spiritual friendship develops a well bonded community. 

We follow the Buddhas teachings as well as his example of living a wholesome life, not for any other kamma or merit than to help others. We were gifted our life so that we may help others ease their suffering. For easing some ones suffering makes the world a better place. And when some ones suffering has been eased they are likely to help another. This then becomes a wonderful chain reaction that is propagated through out the world. 

Wishing you continued peace and wellbeing,

Vladimir

You are warmly invited to follow on us on Facebook and Instagram @bluelotuscenter for more ways to improve your mindfulness practice and wellbeing.

Blue Lotus Meditation and Mindfulness Center is a registered 501(c)(3) religious organization.

Website and monthly newsletter: www.bluelotusmeditation.us

For guided meditations and Dharma talks, please visit and subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Facebook

Instagram 

AmazonSmile