The Sense of Charity

Charity means donation or giving away one's own properties to others. There are three kinds of charity: giving material offerings (Amisa dana), giving santuary and protection to animals (Abhaya dana) and giving doctrinal lectures (Dhamma dana). In dispensing the charity, volition (cetana)and the belief in kamma and its results (Saddha) play important roles. In growing paddy, the good rains in the beginning, in the middle and in the later part of the rainy season can produce a good yield of rice. So also in performing the charity, the accomplishment of three steps of volition can produce great benefits to the donors. These three steps of volition are:

1. Volition that arises before giving (Pubbacetana);
2. Volition that arises while giving (Muncacetana); and
3. Volition that arises after giving (Aparacetana).

      It is very important to make the three-fold volition keen and pure. whenever we perform any act of charity.

The Advantages of Charity

Charity is praised by Buddha in many ways.
 It is: 

• - the stairway to celestial realms;
• - the packet of provisions in the long cycle of rebirths
• - the direct way to good destination;
• - the support to attain Magga, Phala and Nibbana;
• - the cause of becoming a ruler;
• - capable of producing luxuries and wealth;
• - capable of enjoying happiness;
• - capable of self-protection;
• - capable of civilising the uncivilized;
• - capable of bringing success in everything; and
• - the noblest auspiciousness. 

Offering Alms-food

I offer alms-food and other eatable to the compassionate Buddha who is endowed with the infinite accumulation of glory, merit (through the ten perfections) and wisdom. Owing to my deed of this merit, may I attain the Nibbana as soon as possible.

The Benefits of offering Alms-food

If one does not eat cooked rice, he cannot live longer. He will become ugly, sad, weak and stupid for lack of nutrition.  Taking alms-food (cooked rice) can make one live long. Moreover, he will be endowed with beauty, happiness, strength and wisdom.

Offering Water

I offer this pure and cool water to the compassionate Buddha who is endowed with the infinite accumulation of glory, merit (through the ten perfections) and wisdom. Owing to my deed of this merit, may I attain the Nibbana as soon as possible.

The Benefits of Offering Water
If one does not drink water, he cannot he cannot live longer.He will become ugly, sad, weak and stupid. If one does not bathe, he will not be clean and fresh. Therefore, the donors of water can be endowed with longevity, beauty, wealty, strength, wisdom, cleanness, fame and great retinue. They will be free from thirst.

Offering Flowers and Fragrance

I offer these beautiful flowers and fragrance to the compassionate Buddha who is endowed with the infinite accumulation of glory, merit (through the ten perfections)and wisdom. Owing to my deed of this merit, may I attain the Nibbana as soon as Possible.

Benefits of Offering Flowers and Fragrance

Owing to this donation, one can be reborn in the celestial realm or in the human existence for one lakh world cycles. And in his final existence he will attain Magga, Phala and Nibbana. There are many jataka stories describing the benefits of offering flowers and fragrance.

Offering Lights

I offer lights (electric lights) which can eliminate the darkness, to the compassionate Buddha who is endowed with the infinite accumulation of glory, merit (through the ten perfections) and wisdom. Owing to my deed of this merit may I attain the Nibbana as soon as possible.

The Benefits of offering Lights

One who offers lights to the Buddha can be repeatedly reborn in the celestial realms or in human existences. He will have bright and fair complexion. He will possess penetrative wisdom which can see through any wall or mountain or rock. He will attain Magga, Phala and Nibbana in his final existence.
 Note : It is important that you must donate, contemplating on the virtues of the Buddha.