Generosity

Generosity (Skt. dāna; Tib. jinpa; Wyl. sbyin pa), the first of the six paramitas, is defined as an attitude of giving.

Subdivisions

Chökyi Drakpa says:

The first of these, generosity, is divided into

• material giving,
• giving the Dharma, and
• giving protection from fear.

You should practise these three kinds of generosity according to your capacity. At the very least, you should offer Sur (burnt offerings) and water tormas, since this offering incorporates all three kinds of giving.

Alternative Translations

• liberality
• paramita of giving (Dharma Publishing)