The Different Retributions of Giving (dāna)

Question: What is the karmic retribution of deliberately giving with intention?

Answer: When one gives deliberately and proactively in order to cultivate merit for oneself, the retribution in future lives is of course the attainment of blessings. Such giving neither infringes upon nor harms the interests of others, nor does it obstruct others from gaining benefits; moreover, the recipient of the giving also receives benefit, so the outcome is a win-win. If one resolves to cultivate merit for the sake of attaining the Buddha Way, or cultivates merit in order to save and liberate sentient beings, then the merit in this and future lives will be even greater. If one does it for nothing and seeks nothing at all, but simply encounters an occasion calling for giving and gives in accord with conditions—giving that accords with conditions, with the mind empty—this merit is even greater. Unconditioned merit is the greatest, as the Buddha said in the Diamond Sutra.

The practice of giving proceeds in stages. First, one practices giving in order to gain blessings for oneself. When the mind grows a bit more expansive, one practices giving so that sentient beings may gain benefit; such giving carries pāramitā, capable of reaching the other shore of liberation. When the mind grows even more expansive, empty and without wishes, the giving practiced is unconditioned giving, and one can receive the Buddha's prediction of future buddhahood. Whether the mind is expansive or not is determined by merit. When merit is small, the mind is small; when merit is great, the mind becomes expansive. Therefore, being able to bring forth bodhicitta and make great vows also relies on the support of merit. When merit is great, one's vision is broad and far-reaching, and one's wisdom becomes vast and unobstructed.