The First Step: Dana Initiates Us into Mutuality, Leading on to Liberation

Dana (generosity) was the first step that the Buddha indicated in the overview of the path of practice. It introduces the heart to the shared domain, the experience of mutuality that is essential to liberation from grasping. The student is also thereby initiated into the path of supportive conditions that lead on to nibbana.  Generosity is a matter of heart, not material wealth, and should also inform how we relate to and support others – and thereby support ourselves.