alobha
Non-greed
[ AH-loh-ba ]
Seeing it in life
Alobha lets go of the object as a lotus leaf sheds water. The root of dāna and renunciation.
In short
Generosity, renunciation — first wholesome root.
The analysis
Alobha lets go of the object the way a lotus leaf sheds water — not gripping, without the sticky quality lobha carries. It's the first of the three wholesome roots and the basis of both dāna and nekkhamma (renunciation), present in every wholesome citta as a minimum condition.
Where it sits
Alobha is one of two roots (alongside adosa) present in every wholesome citta at minimum, with amoha (wisdom) joining in the more complete forms.
Handing something over — attention, credit, an opportunity — without the small internal tug of reluctance that would otherwise accompany it, is alobha functioning, however briefly, in an ordinary moment.
Commonly mistaken for
Indifference or not wanting anything. Alobha is specifically non-grasping, which can coexist with genuine engagement and care.
Only relevant to material generosity. It's present in any non-grasping mental posture, not only possessions.
Abhidhammattha Saṅgaha II.
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