The closest English translation of daana is charity, although it doesn’t quite have the same meaning. When you give daana, say the ancient scriptures, you must expect nothing in return; you are not even allowed to feel, ‘Aww, what a lovely person I am! I made the giftee so happy!’ The scriptures go on to say that if you want to lead a blessed life, you must, must, MUST regularly give daana; and you must especially give away things that you are fond of, without feelings of regret, and without hoping that now the giftee will give you something that she loves too because you were so unselfish
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