Dana Paramita: The Perfection of Giving

Dana or generosity is the first of the perfections or paramitas, the excellent or noble qualities of an awakened being. In Buddhism, one important expression of this quality is takuhatsu, the Zen practice of offering dana to wandering mendicants. Harking back to the time of the Buddha when monks begged for their daily meal in return for chants or blessings, this exchange is also a reminder of the symbiotic relationship between monastics and lay practitioners, teachers and students—a relationship without which Buddhism would not exist today. Although the dharma itself is priceless, Buddhist teachers, temples, monasteries, and centers all still rely on the generosity of practitioners whose support makes possible the widespread dissemination of the teachings.

To support the work of the Ocean Mind Sangha in its mission to provide Zen training to those whose life circumstances prevent them from participating in ongoing, in-person practice, please consider making a secure, tax-deductible donation.

If you’d like to donate directly to Zuisei for her teaching and writing, you can do so here.

Thank you, always, for your practice and generosity.

Ocean Mind Sangha is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit religious organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by applicable law.

 *Banner photo by Ekarin Apirakthanakorn