The Beauty Of Generosity

We can always use a little more good energy in our own life and in the world. There are so many energies around that might be toxic and negative and can make us feel fearful or contracted. Each day, we need to make a conscious choice to create positive energy in the world by practicing generosity.

Dear Dharma Friends, Generosity is present everywhere and all the time. It is a required force for life to sustain itself and flourish. When we allow ourselves to see the goodness in the world, we see that generosity is on display everywhere. It can shock our mind in a good way, especially when we may be feeling that the darkness is much stronger in our world. Generosity comes in many forms including: kindness, love, or emotional and physical support. It’s not always about giving material things to someone else. This is why there are three kinds of generosities as part of the first six paramitas or six perfections. Giving things to others is just one of them. If we have the means, we can change someone’s day, or even life, by giving something substantial. Yesterday, a friend of mine told me that someone offered her a house in a beautiful island near the city of Seattle. This generosity brought about a nice impact on the life of my friend. Thanks to that person, she can feel more secure and less struggle from the blessing of this gift and the big difference it’s made in her life. Actually, there are two people who benefit from generosity - the one who gives as well as the one who receives. The one who can give can find joy in doing what’s right. This is why a Confucian philosopher said, ”The best way to hide your wealth is to give it away”. We can always use a little more good energy in our own life and in the world. There are so many energies around that might be toxic and negative and can make us feel fearful or contracted. Each day, we need to make a conscious choice to create positive energy in the world by practicing generosity. The moment you invite such thoughts, you will feel that world around you is suddenly more benevolent, and warmth begins to radiate from your own heart. In Shantideva’s verses for taking the Bodhisattva vow, one vows to practice the Bodhisattva’s training in which the six paramitas are quite essential. There are many ways we can practice generosity that don’t require material means. Kindness is one form that we can give freely to others. This generosity is an act as well as a feeling. When we practice kindness we’re not holding our heart back, but allowing it to open and we thereby feel harmony with someone or the people in the world. An open heart and a kind act will have a ripple effect that brings positive energy to the world. The world surely needs more goodness all the time and each of us can be a powerful contributor to it. Let’s take this upcoming Sojong as an opportunity to set the intention to contribute goodness, wholesomeness, and benevolence to this world each and everyday. With palms joined, Anam Thubten