The Buddha describes five kinds of gifts of a true person - 1) giving out of faith, 2) giving with respect, 2) giving at a suitable time, 4) giving unreservedly, and 5) giving without harming oneself or another.

AN 5.148  Sappurisadāna sutta - Gifts of a True Person

“Pañcimāni, bhikkhave, sappurisadānāni. Katamāni pañca? Saddhāya dānaṁ deti, sakkaccaṁ dānaṁ deti, kālena dānaṁ deti, anuggahitacitto dānaṁ deti, attānañca parañca anupahacca dānaṁ deti.

“Bhikkhus, there are these five kinds of gifts of a |true person::good person, worthy one, awakened being [sappurisa]|. What five? 1.) One gives a gift out of |faith::confidence, conviction, trust [saddha]|; 2.) one gives a gift respectfully; 3.) one gives a gift at a suitable time; 4.) one gives a gift |unreservedly::not grasping in one’s thoughts [anuggahitacitta]|; 5.) one gives a gift without injuring oneself or another.

Saddhāya kho pana, bhikkhave, dānaṁ datvā yattha yattha tassa dānassa vipāko nibbattati, aḍḍho ca hoti mahaddhano mahābhogo, abhirūpo ca hoti dassanīyo pāsādiko paramāya vaṇṇapokkharatāya samannāgato.

1.) When one gives a gift out of faith, bhikkhus, then wherever the result of that gift manifests [whether in this life or beyond], one becomes wealthy, rich, and abundantly endowed with possessions. One is |lovely::beautiful, handsome [abhirūpa]|, pleasing to see, and endowed with the supreme beauty of complexion.

Sakkaccaṁ kho pana, bhikkhave, dānaṁ datvā yattha yattha tassa dānassa vipāko nibbattati, aḍḍho ca hoti mahaddhano mahābhogo. Yepissa te honti puttāti dārāti dāsāti pessāti kammakarāti vā, tepi sussūsanti sotaṁ odahanti aññā cittaṁ upaṭṭhapenti.

2.) When one gives a gift respectfully, bhikkhus, then wherever the result of that gift manifests, one becomes wealthy, rich, and abundantly endowed with possessions. And his children and wives, slaves, servants, or workers — they too wish to listen, lend their ears, and apply their minds to understand.

Kālena kho pana, bhikkhave, dānaṁ datvā yattha yattha tassa dānassa vipāko nibbattati, aḍḍho ca hoti mahaddhano mahābhogo; kālāgatā cassa atthā pacurā honti.

3.) When one gives a gift at a suitable time, bhikkhus, then wherever the result of that gift manifests, one becomes wealthy, rich, and abundantly endowed with possessions; and many timely benefits arise for them.

Anuggahitacitto kho pana, bhikkhave, dānaṁ datvā yattha yattha tassa dānassa vipāko nibbattati, aḍḍho ca hoti mahaddhano mahābhogo; uḷāresu ca pañcasu kāmaguṇesu bhogāya cittaṁ namati.

4.) When one gives a gift unreservedly, bhikkhus, then wherever the result of that gift manifests, one becomes wealthy, rich, and abundantly endowed with possessions; and their mind inclines to the enjoyment of the five cords of sensual pleasure.

Attānañca parañca anupahacca kho pana, bhikkhave, dānaṁ datvā yattha yattha tassa dānassa vipāko nibbattati, aḍḍho ca hoti mahaddhano mahābhogo; na cassa kutoci bhogānaṁ upaghāto āgacchati aggito udakato rājato corato appiyato dāyādato.

5.) When one gives a gift without injuring oneself or another, bhikkhus, then wherever the result of that gift manifests, one becomes wealthy, rich, and abundantly endowed with possessions; nor does any harm come to his wealth from any source, whether from fire, water, kings, thieves, or displeasing heirs.

Imāni kho, bhikkhave, pañca sappurisadānānī”ti.

These, bhikkhus, are the five kinds of gifts of a true person.”

Topics & Qualities:

Giving

Giving

The act of generosity, sharing, or offering to others without expecting anything in return. Giving is considered a foundational virtue in Buddhist practice, fostering selflessness and compassion.

Also known as: generosity, charity, donation, almsgiving, donating, philanthropy, providing with, gift with
Pāli: dāna
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Person of Integrity

Person of Integrity

One whose inner character aligns with their outer conduct—honest about their own faults, appreciative of others' virtues, and grounded in principles that guide action toward what is beneficial.

Also known as: virtuous person, true person
Pāli: sappurisa
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Faith

Faith

Confidence in the Buddha's awakening and the efficacy of the path. It brightens and steadies the mind, removing doubt and inspiring energy toward wholesome practice. True faith rests on clarity and direct experience rather than mere belief.

Also known as: confidence, trust, belief, conviction
Pāli: saddha, pasanna
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Non-harm

Non-harm

The intention of harmlessness, rooted in the understanding that all beings tremble at violence and fear death.

Also known as: non-violence, non-injury, harmlessness, non-killing, non-hurting
Pāli: avihiṃsā, ahiṁsa
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Respect

Respect

A mental attitude of reverent attentiveness that values goodness and wisdom in oneself and others. It steadies conduct and opens the mind to learning and humility.

Also known as: reverence, veneration, regard, admiration, appreciation, deference, honour, attentiveness
Pāli: gārava, sakkāra
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Last updated on December 15, 2025