Three kinds of gift are mentioned in Buddhism, namely:

1: Amisa dana: The gift of material things,

2: Abhaya dana: The gifts of life, and

3: Dhamma dana: The gift of Truth.

Amisa dana – or the gift of material things is practised by people
of all religions and is very common. Food, clothes and houses are
given to people of little means or to refugees through various
religious and social organizations. It is, no doubt, a good thing to
satisfy the hunger of the starved and the thirst of the thirsty.
This type of donations is highly recommended in Buddhism and
is called the Amisa dana. (The donations of material things).

Next comes the Abhaya dana - or giving life to those who are in
danger of life caused by five, water or enemies. Sometimes we
hear of people who are about to die due to lack of blood.
To donate blood and save another humans life is indeed a great
thing. Donation of eyes and kidneys is also highly appreciated
and they come under Abhaya dana – donation of life.

The last one: Dhamma dana - or the gift of Truth or the Doctrine
is said to be the highest of all donations on earth. Why so?

Because it opens the Door to the Deathless Dimension!

This no other giving is even remotely capable of...

Sabba danam Dhamma danam jinati

Sabbam rasam Dhamma raso jinati

Sabbam ratim Dhamma rati jinati

Tanhakkayo sabba dukkham jinati

The gift of Truth excels all other Gifts.
The flavour of Truth excels all other flavours.
The pleasure in Truth excels all other pleasures.
 He who has destroyed craving overcomes all sorrow.
                                                            Dhammapada 354

Ven. Weragoda Sarada Maha Thero http://www.buddhist-book.com

                                           Singapore