“He who gives a gift with the thought, ‘When this gift of mine is given, it makes the mind serene. Gratification & joy arise’… on the break-up of the body, after death, he reappears in the company of the devas. …”
AN 7.49
Generosity is known as Dana in Pali. Buddhist lay followers practice Dana for different reasons. Dana made with the intention of reducing one’s craving to material wealth is the highest form of dana. Some engage in dana practice as a wholesome way to earn merits. Goal of the path to liberation is the destruction of greed, hate and delusion. Cultivation of generosity or Dana directly debilitates greed and hate.
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