The Perfection of Generosity

The perfection of generosity is mentioned first among the ten perfections. As we read in the definition of dana, given by the Commentary to the “Basket of Conduct”: “Giving (dana) has the characteristic of relinquishing; its function is to dispel greed for things that can be given away; its manifestation is nonattachment, or the achievement of prosperity and a favourable state of existence; an object that can be relinquished is its proximate cause.”