Giving unselfishly to others is an important part of most religious traditions. In Buddhism, compassionate giving is believed to help the individual move past self-centered thinking.
One of the most touching examples of this type of giving can be found in a scene from the 2012 film Les Misérables.
In the scene, the recently released prisoner Jean Valjean has been captured by the police after stealing some expensive silverware from the home of a local Catholic Bishop. Valjean had been the Bishop’s houseguest that previous evening.
When the police bring Valjean back to face his victim, he is dumbfounded by the cleric’s compassion. Instead of receiving the punishment he deserves, he is offered a chance at redemption.
Here’s the clip. I DARE you not to tear up while watching it. Les Miserables_I give you back to God.mp4 (youtube.com) .
Talk like a Buddhist. The word for giving in both Sanskrit and Pali is dana.
Funny...You Don't Look Buddhist 