Dakshina
Dakshina is a Sanskrit word meaning gift or offering to the Divine. This act of offering is thought of as linked to the idea of pleasing the Divine in its designated form.
Any act of offering skillfully extended in an intentional manner stimulates the link of reciprocity between Giver and Divine. Such an action may be of great utility in establishing a link or relationship where hitherto none has existed.
The word Dakshina is nicely reflected by the American English phrase, “give a little, get a little.”
One gifts a human Guru in order to please and stimulate reciprocity. This approach also helps to establish a karma where teachings and blessings are caused to be returned in kind.
The concept of Dakshina is one of the oldest spiritual concepts of mankind. It is considered to be based on Cosmic law, hence its purportedly great and unfailing efficacy.