1. Dāna

2. Dāna
Dāna can be translated as generosity and is used to refer to any act that is performed with an unselfish attitude and a positive view of giving.
It is an important aspect of Buddhism as it outlines the relationship that exists between the laity and the monastic community (Saṅgha).
It is also important as it is one of the Three Bases of Merit as outlined in the Puññakiriyavatthu Sutta (A IV 146) along with ethical conduct (sīla) and cultivation/meditation (bhāvana).

3. What is merit?
Merit (puṇya/puñña) is an important concept within Buddhist thought. It is what is accumulated through good and wholesome deeds. The production of merit is important as it can have positive effects on the lives of individuals, generate desirable rebirths and also allow one to access higher levels of spiritual attainment.

4. Dāna and the Laity
For the laity dāna represents their support of the Saṅgha.
The laity supports the Saṅgha by providing material support such as giving monks food on their alms round, donations of robes and the eight requisites, and money to support the monastery.

5. Monks receiving a gift of new robes at a funeral in Laos (2007).

6. Dāna and the Saṅgha
The Saṅgha receive the gifts of the laity. In doing so they act as a ‘field of merit’. In order to be a field of merit the monk must live by the monastic rules that are set in the vinaya.
The more spiritually advanced the monk is the bigger their field of merit is. This serves to make the monks work towards becoming worthy recipients of the gifts of the laity.
The amount of merit is relative to spiritual advancement and not ordination.

7. Dāna and the Saṅgha
The Saṅgha are also expected to act with generosity.
In return for material support from the laity, the Saṅgha must provide spiritual support. This is achieved through teaching the Dharma/Dhamma to the lay community.
It also means that when invited to give a blessing, chant at funeral or attend a housewarming the Saṅgha is obliged to send a representative.

8. A monk receiving a gift of food from a member of the lay community in Myanmar (2009).