What is Dana?

  From the Buddha's time until today, the Asian tradition that supports the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) has been one of reciprocal generosity. The local community shows its respect and value for spiritual practice by providing monasteries with basic needs such as food, clothing, shelter...
"Dana" is an ancient word in Pali, the language in which the teachings of the Buddha were recorded, and its meaning is generosity, open-heartedness, giving or gift. It is directly connected to the Latin word "donum" and its English derivatives such as "donor" and "donation." From the days of the...