“Giving, or generosity, is one of the Perfections (pāramitas) of Buddhism, but to be "perfect" it must be selfless, without expectation of reward or praise. Laypeople have been encouraged to give alms to monks, nuns and temples, with the promise that such giving will make merit for the giver. The Buddha spoke of such merit in terms of spiritual maturity. Developing the selfless intention of doing good for others brings one closer to enlightenment.”