The Buddha said that a true spiritual life is not possible without a generous heart. Generosity is the very first quality of an awakened mind. The spiritual path begins there because of the joy that arises from a generous heart. Pure unhindered delight flows freely when we practice generosity. We experience joy in forming the intention to give, in the actual act of giving, and in recollecting the fact that we've given.
— Sharon Salzberg, The Kindness Handbook