True dana is not a trade or a bargaining strategy. In true giving there is no thought of giver and recipient. This is called the "emptiness of giving," in which there is no perception of separation between the one who gives and the one who receives. This is the practice of dana given in the spirit of prajna* with the understanding of interbeing. You offer help as naturally as you breathe. You don't see yourself as the giver and the other person as the recipient of your generosity who is now beholden to you and must be suitably grateful, respond to your demands, and so on. You don't give in order to make the other person your ally. When you see that people need help, you offer and share what you have with no strings attached and no thought of reward.
---Thich Nhat Hanh---
* Innate wisdom.
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