The practice of generosity is not as simple as it may sound. The idea is to be attuned to the motive—whatever it is—and to learn from our direct experience. Ajahn Chah said we begin doing away with selfishness through giving. Selfishness leads to a sense of discontent, and yet people tend to be selfish without realizing how it affects them. A selfish heart takes us in the direction of self and separation from happiness. On the other hand, a selfless heart is one of the most powerful tools we have for overcoming the suffering states of greed, hatred and delusion. We override self-absorbed impulses and replace them with concern for the welfare of other people.

As a spiritual practice, dāna is about learning from the giving and from the holding back—to see for ourselves which feels best, to learn the subtle attachments that cause us to hold back or to think only of ourselves, and to know the release of letting go.

In this world, monks, there are three things

[of value] for one who gives.

What are these three things?

Before giving, the mind of the giver is happy.

While giving the mind of the giver is made peaceful.

After having given, the mind of the giver is uplifted.

(A 3.6.37)

Excerpt from "There’s More to Giving Than We Think" by Gloria Taraniya Ambrosia, Insight Journal 2006