Sanskrit · दान
Daan — the meaning of giving, and every form it takes
Daan (दान) is the Sanskrit word for giving. It comes from the root dā, to give, and means an offering made without expecting anything in return — the giving is complete, and the giver keeps no claim on what was given.
The same word travels across Indian traditions. It appears as dāna in Buddhism, where it is the first of the perfections; in Jainism, where giving to those who have renounced possessions is a householder's duty; and in Sikhism as vand chhako, the instruction to share what you earn before you use it.
What distinguishes daan from charity is not the size of the gift but the intent behind it. Giving offered in the hope of praise, influence, or something in return is considered a lesser act — the Bhagavad Gita separates giving done as a duty, to a worthy recipient, at a fitting time, from giving done grudgingly or for gain. This is also why gupt daan (गुप्त दान), giving anonymously, is held highest: nobody can thank you for it.
Daan is named after whatever is given. Each of the forms below is a living practice, and each one has organisations doing it now — 2,050 of them, verified by hand, across 400 cities.
