Editing Alms (section)

=== ''Dāna'' in Buddhism===
{{main|Dāna#Buddhism|Satuditha}}
In [[Buddhism]], both "almsgiving" and "giving" are called "[[Dana (Buddhism)|dāna]]" ([[Pāli]]).<ref>Nyanatiloka (1980), entry for "dāna". [http://www.budsas.org/ebud/bud-dict/dic3_d.htm Budsas.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219163600/http://www.budsas.org/ebud/bud-dict/dic3_d.htm |date=2007-02-19 }}</ref> Such giving is one of the three elements of the path of practice as formulated by the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]] for [[Householder (Buddhism)|laypeople]].<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-05-26|title=Buddha Purnima 2021: Date, significance and importance of the day|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/life-style/buddha-purnima-2021-date-significance-and-importance-7303079/|access-date=2021-09-18|website=The Indian Express|language=en}}</ref> This path of practice for laypeople is [[Dana (Buddhism)|dāna]], [[Śīla|sīla]], and [[Bhavana|bhāvanā]].<ref>Nyanatiloka (1980), entry for "dāna" [http://www.budsas.org/ebud/bud-dict/dic3_d.htm Budsas.org] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070219163600/http://www.budsas.org/ebud/bud-dict/dic3_d.htm |date=2007-02-19 }}; and, PTS (1921–25), entry for "Puñña" (merit)[https://archive.today/20120707184520/http://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/philologic/getobject.pl?c.2:1:3017.pali Uchicago.edu].</ref>

Generosity towards other sentient beings is also emphasized in Mahayana as one of the perfections ([[paramita]]). As shown in [[Je Tsongkhapa|Lama Tsong Khapa's]] 'The Abbreviated Points of the Graded Path' ({{bo|w=lam-rim bsdus-don}}):

{{poem quote|
Total willingness to give is the wish-granting gem for fulfilling the hopes of wandering beings.
It is the sharpest weapon to sever the knot of stinginess.
It leads to [[bodhisattva]] conduct that enhances self-confidence and courage,
And is the basis for universal proclamation of your fame and repute.
Realizing this, the wise rely, in a healthy manner, on the outstanding path
Of (being ever-willing) to offer completely their bodies, possessions, and positive potentials.
The ever-vigilant lama has practiced like that.
If you too would seek liberation,
Please cultivate yourself in the same way.<ref>Tsongkhapa & Berzin (2001), verse 15.</ref>
}}

The giving of alms is the beginning of one's journey to [[Nirvana (concept)|Nirvana]] ({{langx|pi|nibbana}}). In practice, one can give anything with or without thought for [[Nibbana]]. This would lead to [[saddha|faith]] ({{langx|pi|saddha}}), one [[Five Powers|key power]] ({{langx|pi|bala}}) that one should generate within oneself for the [[Gautama Buddha|Buddha]], [[Dhamma]], and [[Sangha (Buddhism)|Sangha]].

According to the [[Pali canon]]:
{{Blockquote|Of all gifts [alms], the gift of [[Dhamma]] is the highest.|[[Dhammapada|Dhp.]] chapter 24, verse 354){{efn|name=Dhammapada24-354}}}}