Donation is not a concept of gambling! It’s not like, you donate $1 and get $1000 in future or after life. It should be out of compassion and kindness.
The concept of donation is giving up the attachment of ego. One should give because he/she has a beautiful and compassionate heart. If you increase ego by giving and expect more than you give in return, then it’s more likely a gambling donation which is harmful and fruitless. People gamble to multiply what they spend but donation isn’t such.
Buddha said….. People should donate to purify their heart (Citta Visuddhi), as an adornment for the mind (Citta Alaṇkāra), and as a gift for the mind (Citta Parikkhāra). They should have thoughts like…by this donation, may the deserved receiver be benefited, be well, be freed from danger and affliction, be happy and peaceful.
You give foods, so one doesn’t stay hungry.
You give cloths, so one doesn’t stay with shame.
You give education, so one doesn’t stay illiterate.
You give medicine, so one doesn’t stay sick.
You give shelter, so one doesn’t stay under the open sky.
You give anything to anyone who deserves and needs it, thinking thus, may the deserved receiver be eased from their bad condition and situation, serious affliction or danger. May the receiver be well, happy, and peaceful.
But in the case of a recluse practice who vowed to practice the homelessness, is difference. They dwell in happiness of non-attachment state for having nothing.
And also…there are monks and people who have sacrificed and dedicated their lives for the people and community. If such social and religious services are practiced with limitless kindness and compassion, such practices are the Bodhisattva practices, to fulfill all the Paramitas by serving the world community. And a Buddha always encouraged and praises such good deeds while he also encouraged his followers to shorten the Saṃsāra.
Karuna Buddhist Society 