Dhamma Letter No.28
Dana (Giving) by Purification
Dhamma Letter No. 27 discussed the analysis of Giving (dana) from Buddha’s discourse. Today’s Dhamma Letter will review the four kinds of dana purification described in the Buddha’s word entitled ‘Four Ways of Purify a Gift’ (Majjima Nikaya 142).
Four Ways of Purifying a Gift (Giving)
If the giver, not the receiver, is pure in heart,
The giver is virtuous and has a good character, but the receiver is not virtuous and has a bad character.
2 . If the recipient, not the giver, is pure in heart,
The giver has no virtue and has a bad character, but the receiver has virtue and a good character.
3 . If both the giver and the receiver are not pure in heart,
This is when both the giver and the receiver are unkind and have a bad character.
4. If both the giver and the receiver are pure in heart,
This is the time when both the giver and the receiver are virtuous and have good character.
These are the four ways of purifying a gift.
when a desireless person gives to the desireless, a gift earned rightfully with a pleasant mind, believing the result of good kamma, that’s truly the best of material gifts.
Therefore, the use and quality of one’s mind in the moment of giving and receiving gifts is essential to its purification. The more pure the mind, the better the karmic result with regard to the parami (perfection) of dana.
May you cultivate purification in dhamma during your lifetime!
May your purification lead to wisdom to reach Nibbana (ultimate happiness)!
May you experience happiness through Giving deeds!
With Metta,
Ayyā Kosallā
Edited by Max Montgomery
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If you have any questions related to dhamma, please feel free to ask. You can reach Ayya Kosalla directly at bhikkhuni.kosalla@gmail.com. We will answer your questions and include them in future Dhamma Letters.
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Buddha Sāsanaṁ Ciraṁ Tiṭṭhatu!
May the Buddha’s teachings last a long time!
Bhavatu Sabba Sotiṁ ca Maṅgalaṁ ca!!
May everyone be led on the path of peace and blessing!!
Sādhu Sādhu Sādhu !