In the Theravada Buddhism tradition, devotees would offer food dana to the Sangha (Buddhist monks) community. A giving heart and a mind that practises generosity is one of the prerequisites for a happy life.
The monks will chant before eating their meals.
It is the same with every faith, which teaches followers to give for it is only by giving will one receive. But one must not give with the thought that one is going to get something back. Just give because your gift will help someone or make them happy.
The Santi Forest Monastery http://www.4ui.com/eart/246eart3.htm is an alluring place to go to to perform dana. It is a place to get close to nature and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life.
And while the monks are chanting, one should visualise departed loved ones so that the dead, too, can share the merits.
For me, performing dana is easy. Having compassion and the practise of no killing --- not a problem. The other prerequisites, however, not so easy.
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