Significance of Giving

In Vaishnavism, the concept of Giving involves the act of providing or offering gifts to others, highlighting generosity as a fundamental aspect of spiritual practice. Kavyashastra also emphasizes Giving, particularly the importance of generosity for kings, as it reflects their splendor and benevolence. Both perspectives underscore that Giving is not just a physical act but also a moral and ethical duty, reinforcing the values of community and responsibility in leadership and personal relationships.1
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Synonyms: Presenting, Offering, Delivering

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Giving'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, Giving signifies the importance of seizing opportunities to practice generosity. Neglecting these chances can lead to regret, highlighting the necessity of cultivating positive actions (kusala) in daily life.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Guide to Tipitaka

(1) This has beneficial effects, while envy, jealousy, miserliness, greed, and wrong views lead to appearance in the unhappy state.[1]

From: Cetasikas

(1) There may be opportunities for this which are wasted, leading to remorse about neglectfulness of kusala.[2]

From: Vinaya (2): The Mahavagga

(1) Giving is a topic discussed in the religious discourse, which is part of the Blessed One's teachings to Roja the Malla on moral conduct and the dangers of vanity.[3]

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) It is the act of sharing resources, food, or wealth with others, motivated by compassion and a desire to help those in need, without expecting anything in return.[4]

From: Maha Buddhavamsa—The Great Chronicle of Buddhas

(1) Giving, as exemplified by the Dana Parami, represents a key practice in how Bodhisattas work towards fulfilling the paramis.[5]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Shurangama Sutra (with commentary) (English)

(1) "Giving" is described as having three kinds: giving of wealth, giving of dharma, and giving of fearlessness, also two aspects that are not the same as the three kinds, relating to the "conduct of happiness".[6] (2) This is the practice of the paramita of giving and is cultivating the Bodhisattva Way.[7]

From: Maha Prajnaparamita Sastra

(1) This is a physical and vocal action, and it is the act by means of which something is given, and it is also the place of practice of meritorious action, specifically referring to generosity.[8]

From: The Perfection Of Wisdom In Eight Thousand Lines

(1) In this context, it allows one to avoid being reborn as a hungry ghost, escape poverty, and eliminate all impurities, while also accumulating boundless wealth and assisting beings facing difficulties.[9]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Buddhism (general):

From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)

(1) There is a way of this, seeking pleasure by it; there is a way of this, coveting to get more.[10]

Hindu concept of 'Giving'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Giving signifies the generous act of offering gifts to others, highlighting the importance of generosity, especially for kings, to demonstrate their opulence and benevolence through acts of sharing.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) This action indicates the transfer of valuable items, signifying a gesture of generosity and a transition before embarking on a spiritual journey.[11] (2) The action of providing something, in this context refering to the act of providing charity.[12] (3) The act of providing something to someone, reflecting generosity or kindness.[13] (4) the act of providing or offering something to others, in this context referring to the act of bestowing gifts.[14]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) An act that illustrates the components of virtue, involving the giver, the thing given, the recipient, and their satisfaction.[15]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Brahma Sutras (Ramanuja)

(1) Giving is an example of works enjoined by Scripture and Smriti that proceed by the command of the Imperishable, indicating that the Imperishable must be Brahman.[16]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):
Arthashastra Books

From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)

(1) The act of providing aid or resources to those in need without expectation of receiving anything in return, viewed as the highest form of virtue.[17]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Jain concept of 'Giving'

Jainism Books

In Jainism, Giving emphasizes the value of charity. The text suggests that it's preferable to live a life seeking alms than to abandon a charitable nature, highlighting the significance of selfless contributions to others.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Naladiyar

(1) It is better for him who once was charitable, i.e. who stood in the way of giving, to spend his life in the afflictive way of stretching out his hands for alms.[18]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, ‘self-reliance’) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Giving in local and regional sources

History Books

Giving, according to regional sources, involves helping others, with the highest form being the impartation of spiritual knowledge. It emphasizes selfless support.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda

(1) It is described as helping others and the highest form of this action is described as the giving of spiritual knowledge.[19]

Classical concept of 'Giving'

Various literature Books

Meaning of Giving in Ancient Greek mythology, history and philosophy:
Greek Books

From: The Nicomachean Ethics of Aristotle

(1) Giving is considered a use of wealth and a virtuous action, and it implies doing good and doing what is noble, bringing gratitude and praise to the giver, who should give for the sake of the noble.[20]

Ancient Greece in the Archaic Period was made up from independent states, called Polis, or city state. Classical Greek culture, especially philosophy, had a powerful influence on the Roman Empire. Greek mythology consists of stories belonging to the ancient Greeks concerning their Gods and heroes, the nature of the world and the origins and significance of their religious practices.