Effects of Pattithanamai in Buddhism

Abstract

This academic article aims to study the teachings on Pattidanamaya in Theravada Buddhism. It finds that physical and verbal behaviors expressing approval of giving alms, and the act of giving alms in Buddhism, encompass various aspects: the giving of material things, the giving of appropriate objects, the giving of knowledge, and the giving of forgiveness to others or animals. Alms-giving is classified into two types: Amisa Dana (material alms-giving), which includes the giving of material objects and the four necessities of life, and Dhamma Dana (spiritual alms-giving), which is further subdivided into the giving of knowledge and the giving of wisdom. And forgiveness is the act of forgiving, pardoning, and not harboring resentment. There are three levels of giving: the basic level includes material giving (Amisada), providing assistance with material things or the four necessities of life; the middle level is abstinence from sin, adhering to the five precepts; and the highest level is forgiveness (Apai Dana) and Dhamma Dana (spiritual giving). The performance of meritorious deeds and the dedication of merit (Pattidanamaya) yield tangible results, known as the four kinds of Sampada. The purpose of Pattidanamaya, which refers to the dedication of merit, is for the benefit of deceased relatives, to fulfill one's duty to relatives, and to offer homage to deceased relatives.