Dana

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Generosity, giving, is the first parami. It confers upon the giver the double blessing of inhibiting the immoral thoughts of selfishness on the one hand and of developing the pure thoughts of selflessness on the other hand.

The object in giving is to eliminate the craving that lies dormant within oneself; apart from which there are the attendant blessings of generosity such as the joy of service, the ensuing happiness and consolation and the alleviation of suffering.

He makes no distinction in extending his love with supreme generosity, at the same time not forgetting to use his judicious discrimination in doing so. If for instance, a drunkard were to seek his help, but he was convinced that the drunkard would misuse his gift, the Bodhisatta would not hesitate to refuse him, for such generosity would not constitute any parami.

If however, someone should seek his help for a worthy purpose, he would express his deep obligation for the opportunity offered and willingly and humbly render him every possible aid, free of the smallest trace of any forced air of dignity or without making any false pretext.

A Bodhisatta is always ready to oblige others but he will never stoop to beg a favour for himself. In abundance he gives, irrespective of caste, creed or colour but selfishly he seeks nothing, for he is neither selfish nor self-possessive. He exercises this virtue of dana to such an extent that he is prepared to give away not only his wealth and other cherished possessions but also his kingdom, his wife and children, even his limbs.

He is ever ready to sacrifice his own life wherever such sacrifice will benefit humanity.

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