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7. 33-34] Donation and Its Characteristics
191. The characteristics of donation are defined by the method, the object of donation, the donor, and the recipient. The practice of charitable giving is the foundation of all virtues; therefore, from a spiritual perspective, its development is the basis for the enhancement of other virtues, and from a practical perspective, it serves as the basis for the harmony of human arrangements.
The meaning of donation is the offering of a justly obtained object to another. This offering should benefit both the giver and the receiver. The primary benefit to the giver is the detachment from the object, leading to satisfaction and equanimity. The benefit to the receiver is that the object assists them in their journey of life, resulting in the development of their virtues.
Though all donations may be the same in form, there remains a hierarchy in their results. This hierarchy is due to the characteristics of the act of giving, primarily defined by the four aspects of charitable donations. These four aspects can be described as follows: 1. Method - The characteristics of the method include the appropriateness of the place and time, and ensuring that the object offered does not hinder the principles of the recipient. 2. Substance - The characteristics of the substance involve the qualities of the object being donated. The object must be nourishing for the recipient's life journey and consequently serve as a catalyst for their personal development. 3. Donor - The characteristics of the donor include having reverence for the recipient, not harboring contempt or jealousy, and not feeling discontent during or after giving. 4. Recipient - The characteristics of the recipient include being alert and diligent in pursuing virtue. 33-34.