Can we give money
Yes, giving money as charity (dana) is allowed in Jainism. It is encouraged when done with the right intention and in a spirit of non-violence and detachment.
Key points to keep in mind:
- Intention: Dana should be offered with a pure heart, without ego or expectation of praise.
- Non-violence: Give in a way that does not encourage harm or exploitation. Choose trustworthy recipients or organizations.
- Detachment: Don’t cling to the money you give; practice a sense of renunciation (als) and gratitude.
- Right use: If possible, give to causes or people who truly need help, and avoid wasteful or harmful ends.
- Modesty and privacy: If giving publicly, do so with humility; if giving privately, respect the recipient’s dignity.
There are different perspectives in Digambar and Śvētāmbara traditions on specifics, but the overall principle is to practice dana with mindfulness, compassion, and restraint.
If you’d like, I can point you to a JainKnowledge page that explains dana in more detail.