Dana

Dana

"donation", "gift", "the act of giving"

For example, donation to temples, to spiritual programs, donation to sadhus for food and other needs. Since monks live only on alms, they must be supported, because they bring spiritual purity and dharma to the world. If sadhaka is engaged in business and lives like a grihastha, then he should donate some part of his income. If sadhaka is a sannyasi and does not live a family life, then he must sacrifice everything to Guru and have no material possessions except the most essential things that are necessary to maintain existence and perform rituals.

"Gifting involves cultivating generosity, opening the heart, experiencing unity with others through the practice of giving, made with compassion and humility to those who live in prosperity and earn well, for the benefit of those who need. This is a practical way of developing the spirit of sacrifice and detachment and freeing the mind from attachment to earthly wealth, which is the most dangerous obstacle to spiritual development."

(Source: "Introduction to Natha Yoga" by Mahant Avedyanath)