The Merits Of Dāna
- by S. N. Goenka

(The following is a translation of an article originally published in the September 1995 issue of the Hindi Vipaśhyanā Patrikā.)

Let us practise and develop the four brahmavihārā (the nature of a brahmā, hence sublime or divine state of mind, in which the four pure qualities are present):

—the brahmavihāra of infinite mettā, (loving kindness)
—the brahmavihāra of infinite karuṇā, (compassion)
—the brahmavihāra of infinite muditā, (sympathetic joy)
—the brahmavihāra of infinite upekkhā. (equanimity)

There is a simple way to practise and develop the four brahmavihārā: by the giving of dāna that is pure in the past, present, and future, and pure in three ways.

How does dāna become pure in the past, present and future? When the mind of the donor is suffused with joy and delight before giving dāna, while giving dāna, and after giving dāna, then the dāna becomes pure in the past, present and future.

How does dāna become pure in three ways? When the mind of the donor is filled with benevolence; when the recipient is living a life of pure sīla; and when the dāna, irrespective of amount and value, is earned by one’s own labour, honestly and through right livelihood; then the dāna is pure in three ways.

Dāna that is pure in the past, present, and future, and pure in three ways is highly beneficial.

How does such dāna help to develop the four brahmavihāra? When the thing or place or facility that is given as dāna is not for a particular person but for the benefit and welfare of all meditators, then this dāna helps to develop the four brahmavihāra.

The mind of the donor is filled with infinite mettā when he thinks—"Because of my dāna, countless people are gaining or will gain happiness by getting this wonderful Dhamma".

The mind of the donor is filled with infinite karuṇā when he thinks—"Because of this dāna, there are so many suffering people in the world who will find a way out of their suffering, get the benefit of Dhamma and find contentment".

The mind of the donor is filled with infinite muditā with the thought—"Oh! So many people are getting happiness and contentment through the practice of Dhamma because of my dāna".

The mind of the donor is filled with infinite upekkhā with the thought—"Whether anyone praises my dāna or criticizes it, whether I get success or failure because of this dāna, it is of no concern to me. My dāna is not for self-eulogy or for success or failure. This dāna, given with pure volition, is solely for the benefit of others".

In this way, meditators! The four brahmavihārā are developed by giving pure dāna.

Meditators! The brahmavihārā should be practised and developed. The practice of the brahmavihārā is highly beneficial for us.