CETANĀ - VOLITION

Volition (cetanā) is of paramount importance in the practice of giving. The volition of the donor before, during and after an act of giving is the most important factors involved in the practice of giving. There can be no dāna without the volition to give. An act of dāna is possible only when there is the volition to give.  Cetanā is of three kinds:

1.    Pubba-cetanā (preceding volition): The volition that arises in anticipation before one makes the Dāna is called Pubba-cetana.

2.    Muñca-cetanā (relinquishing volition): The volition that arises at the time of giving is called Muñca-cetanā. It is only this volition, which accomplishes the act of relinquishing, that forms the true essence of dāna.

3.    Apara-cetanā (post-giving volition): The volition that gives satisfaction, joy and happiness of having given a dāna on recollection after the act of dāna is called Apara-cetanā.

It is very important for the giver to be endowed with these three types of volition. The Dāna performed with these three kinds of volition firmly establishes oneself on the path of realization of Nibbāna. The crux of dāna to accomplish an act of dāna, the four associated factors must be present. Without understanding the four associated factors, dāna as such is not complete. The four associated factors are:

1.    Vatthu – things to be given: The act of dāna to be truly meaningful and spiritual, whatever is given should be one’s own, acquired and possessed morally and legally. If one gives with a feeling as though getting rid of the things, then it has no benefit of giving.

2.    Citta – the consciousness connected with dāna: The dāna must be done with a blissful mind and cheerful volition. The cetanā should be as pure as possible. Moreover, the act of giving should not be with a view to getting worldly wealth because such a wish is associated with greed and craving.

3.    Paṭiggāhaka – the recipient or beneficiary: One may have mind and things to give. But if one does not have the right and deserving recipient, dāna cannot be fruitful. A virtuous person is the most deserving recipient.

4.    Dāyaka – the giver: With reference to a dāyaka, there are three distinct givers- Dānapati, the Master-giver gives the best to others, while keeping to himself the worst; Dānasahāya, the Friend-giver gives exactly what he enjoys himself, nothing more nothing less and Dānadasa, the Servant-giver keeps the best for himself and gives the worst to others.