Dāna is any form of giving

(from wikipedia) Dāna (Devanagari: दान) is a Sanskrit and Pali word that connotes the virtue of generosity, charity or giving of alms in Indian philosophies.[1][2] It is alternatively transliterated as daana.[3][4]

In Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, dāna is the practice of cultivating generosity. It can take the form of giving to an individual in distress or need.[5] It can also take the form of philanthropic public projects that empower and help many.[6]

According to historical records, dāna is an ancient practice in Indian traditions, tracing back to Vedic traditions.[3][7]

Linda and Charlie Bloom in Psychology Today: “Honoring the rule of reciprocity.” This is a powerful article that asks the right questions.

Niyama: is the second limb of yoga. These are the “observances of yogis.” Niyama are the list of what you do. Daana is the fourth Niyama in the Hatha Yoga Pradeepikaa.

What is Daana?

Dāna (Sanskrit: दान) means giving, often in the context of donation and charity.[9] In other contexts, such as rituals, it can simply refer to the act of giving something.[9] Dāna is related to and mentioned in ancient texts with concepts of Paropakāra(परोपकार) which means benevolent deed, helping others;[10][11]Dakshina (दक्षिणा) which means gift or fee one can afford;[12][13] and Bhiksha (भिक्षा), which means alms.[14][15]

Dāna has been defined in traditional texts as any action of relinquishing the ownership of what one considered or identified as one's own, and investing the same in a recipient without expecting anything in return.[16]

While dāna is typically given to one person or family, Hinduism also discusses charity or giving aimed at public benefit, sometimes called utsarga. This aims at larger projects such as building a rest house, school, drinking water or irrigation well, planting trees, and building care facility among others.[17]

Dāna in Hindu scriptures[edit]

The Rigveda has the earliest discussion of dāna in the Vedas.[18] The Rigveda relates it to satya "truth" and in another hymn points to the guilt one feels from not giving to those in need.[18] It uses da, the root of word dāna, in its hymns to refer to the act of giving to those in distress. Book 10, Hymn 117 of the Rig veda proclaims:

“Bounteous is those who give.”

Heartfelt Prayers are very welcome

Heartfelt genuine prayers are always welcome. If the intention is pure, offering prayers back in exchange for yoga and breathing classes is honored and welcomed.

If you live in RI, another choice is to drop off vegetables, flowers and wildflowers to the address on the previous page. This will nourish and brighten Bella’s life. Bella Gillette is the frequent model of Sunday 9am yoga. One exception: please no zucchini is needed. Ha!

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