‘The Buddha made an important distinction between ordinary acts of giving and true dāna, which transcends the ordinary understanding of giving. In true dāna, there is no giver, no gift, and no recipient. This is the union of giving and anattā (not-self).’ Everyday...

‘In the teachings of the Buddha, dāna (giving) holds a place of great significance. At its most basic level, giving is an ethical practice that cultivates generosity, selflessness, and compassion.’ Everyday Buddhism

‘In his profound teachings, the Buddha illuminated the possibility of liberation from the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth — what we know as samsara.’ Everyday Buddhism

‘The Buddha’s teachings do not call for repression but for illumination. Awareness, when steady and unentangled, remains untouched by the arising and passing of thought. The key is not to eliminate thinking but to cease identifying with it.’ Everyday Buddhism

Before we can generate compassion and love, it is important to have a clear understanding of what we understand compassion and love to be. In simple terms, compassion and love can be defined as positive thoughts and feelings that give rise to such essential things in...