Overview
While the physical act of giving (dāna) is always beneficial, the kammic result is heavily determined by the mental intention behind the gift. The Buddha outlined eight specific motivations that drive people to give. The first seven yield limited, worldly results, while the eighth yields the highest supramundane result.
The List
- Āsajja dānaṃ deti - Giving spontaneously: Giving simply because a beggar or ascetic has approached and asked.
- Bhayā dānaṃ deti - Giving out of fear: Giving because one is afraid of blame, afraid of the person asking, or afraid of retribution.
- Adāsi me ti dānaṃ deti - Giving thinking “He gave to me”: Giving purely out of a sense of obligation to repay a past favor.
- Dassati me ti dānaṃ deti - Giving thinking “He will give to me”: Giving as an investment, expecting a favor or return in the future.
- Sāhu dānan ti dānaṃ deti - Giving thinking “Giving is good”: Giving based on a general philosophical belief that charity is a virtuous tradition.
- Ahaṃ pacāmi, ime na pacantī ti… - Giving thinking “I cook, they do not”: Giving out of a sense of duty, realizing it is improper for a householder to withhold food from ascetics who do not cook.
- Kittisaddo abbhuggacchatū ti… - Giving to acquire a good reputation: Giving so that others will praise one’s generosity.
- Cittālaṅkāracittaparikkhāratthaṃ dānaṃ deti - Giving to adorn and beautify the mind: Giving solely to overcome stinginess, support meditation, and perfect the mind for the realization of Nibbāna. This is the highest motivation.
Textual References
- Canonical: Dānavatthu Sutta (AN 8.33) – The Buddha lists these eight motivations, highlighting the supreme nature of the final one.