We hear so frequently of `Dana-giving’ `Sila’ - morality and `Bhavana - meditation’.

When we look at them as segmented and isolated qualities and practices they offer little meaning and are of limited value in fashioning our daily lives. They appear to be more meaningful when we see these as a part of a process.

To understand this point better, let us see how we can relate these concepts `Dana’ `Sila’ to a relationship with a child. The child had been revolting and had caused pain of mind to the parents. The parents in order to prepare the grounds for Dana Sila etc will try to understand the real nature of relationship with the child. The fact that they have met the child in a temporary resting place and that they will part ways eventually – the fact that the child is an independent `Sansaric Entity’ who is guided by his past which is unique to him and that he is unable to fit into the mental mould the parents have created for him.

With this understanding the parents are able to release the `possessive grip’ with which they were holding on to the child. The parents have performed `Dana’. It is seen the word `Dana’ has a much wider meaning than `almsgiving’. Dana could mean giving up and letting go of many things ranging from material things to more abstract things like ideas and concepts.

When the mind is relaxed with the letting go of its possessiveness, its behaviour will change substantially. Parents will not utter harsh words to punish the child or to chastise him. Then they have observed `Sila’.

At this point backed by Sila his mind enters into a peaceful state of mind which harbours no conflicting thoughts with the child (Patigha) as he has understood the true nature of the relationship. To cultivate that state of mind is `Bhavana’.

We can apply `Dana Sila Bhavana’ to all situations in daily life when our mind interacts with the external world.