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    5. Dakkhinā
    Artistic representation of Dakkhinā
    Pali•
    🇮🇳India

    Dakkhinā

    /DAK-shi-nah/

    Meaning

    Dakkhinā refers to a voluntary offering or gift given to a spiritual teacher or monastic community, often accompanied by sincere respect and devotion. It is more than mere charity; it embodies the principle of reciprocity, where the recipient's spiritual merit and blessings are seen as a return for the giver's generosity. This act is deeply rooted in Buddhist and Hindu traditions, signifying not just material support but also a profound connection and acknowledgment of the spiritual path. The act of giving with a pure heart is believed to generate positive karma for the donor.

    Literal Translation

    gift, offering (in Sanskrit and Pali)

    How It's Used

    Used in Buddhist and Hindu contexts to describe offerings made to monks, nuns, or spiritual preceptors, often during religious ceremonies or as a form of dana (giving).

    Emotions
    contentment,gratitude,love
    Contexts
    daily life,religion
    🇮🇳India

    by Dr. Kenji Tanaka·Written Mar 14, 2026·Updated Apr 3, 2026

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