Gifts of a Wholesome Person (First Discourse)

Monks, there are these eight gifts of a wholesome person.

What eight?

(1) He gives what is pure;

(2) he gives what is excellent;

(3) he gives a timely gift;

(4) he gives what is allowable;

(5) he gives after investigation;

(6) he gives often;

(7) while giving he settles his mind in confidence; and

(8) having given, he is joyful.

These are the eight gifts of a wholesome person.

He gives what is pure and excellent,

allowable drinks and food at the proper time;

he gives gifts often to fruitful fields of merit,

to those who lead the spiritual life.

He does not feel regret,

having given away many material things.

Those with deep wisdom praise

the gifts given in this way.

Having thus practiced charity

with a mind freely generous,

one intelligent and wise, rich in confidence,

is reborn in a pleasant, untroubled world (heavenly realm).

(Reference: AN 8.37)

In this Teaching from Gotama Buddha, he shares guidance on how to give a gift in a wholesome way.

1.) An individual gives a gift that is pure or beneficial.

2.) An individual gives a gift that is excellent or useful.

3.) An individual gives a gift that is at the proper time.

4.) An individual gives a gift that is allowable such as items that are wholesome and not in conflict with these Teachings.

5.) An individual gives a gift after investigating what can be beneficial and useful for the individual.

6.) An individual gives gifts regularly and consistently on an ongoing basis.

7.) An individual gives a gift while the mind is confident knowing that the gift offered is wholesome.

8.) An individual gives a gift with a mind that is joyful having no remorse or regret after giving.