Karuṇā dāna in Jain Dharma means compassionate giving — giving help out of dayā, anukampā, and karuṇā toward beings in suffering.

In Jain teaching, dāna is not just charity; it is an expression of compassion and non-violence. Karuṇā dāna is done to reduce another being’s pain, difficulty, or need, while keeping the spirit of ahimsa.

Simple meaning

• Karuṇā = compassion
• Dāna = giving
• So, karuṇā dāna = giving with a compassionate heart

In Jain understanding

Such giving should be:

• done without pride
• done without expectation of return
• done with purity of intention
• done in a way that does not cause harm

Examples

• giving food to the needy
• helping the sick
• supporting the helpless
• protecting living beings from suffering

Spiritual value

Karuṇā dāna helps purify the mind, reduce attachment, and cultivate dayā and dharmic भावना. In Jain Dharma, this kind of giving supports the path of right conduct.

If you want, I can also explain the four types of dāna in Jainism in a simple way.