Dana “giving” is an important part of spiritual practice. Commonly we perceive the recipient as the blessed one, however, in Zen Practice we perceive both the recipient and the benefactor as equally blessed. They are interconnected and one. As the benefactor we are blessed with the feelings, thoughts and karma of giving. The apparent of giving is the sense of connection we form with the receiver (other) and the positive mental energy (nen) we experience and emanate. Our heart opens and our consciousness expands outward, infecting others as they too open. As the beneficiary, we feel held and loved. Our heart opens and we experience joy and gratitude. As with the benefactor, our gratitude and joy ripples outward and manifests within those around us. For example, we see a homeless man begging at a local intersection. We think for a moment, and then decide to offer charity. We wave the man over and give him money. He thanks and blesses us. Unbeknownst to us, others who are also debating what to do see us, and they too are inspired to give based on our example. These small acts are like casting a little stone within a large pond. The stone is cast, it strike the surface, and the ripples move outward enveloping the waters. Charity comes in many different ways. Holding the door open, allowing someone to go before us, listening to a friend, offering your time or just being fully present. It could even include doing nothing. The ways of giving are infinite. Please enjoy investigating them all.
