Generosity

Generosity is an important part of our practice.  When we offer what we have to others, we break down barriers.  Generosity allows us to open up and feel a sense of abundance. 

Of course, all lovers of the dharma love categories, lists.  It may help to think of 4 types of generosity:

• Giving material things,
• Giving the Dharma,
• Giving protection against fear,
• Giving love.

Giving material things.

This is usually the first thing we think about when we think about generosity.  Giving things that have material value.  Offering a present on a special occasion, or for no reason, bringing food to a person who is sick.  Of course, dana is also generosity.  With all material (and non-material) generosity, it is important to give freely, with no expectations.  When you give, look for the subtle expectations you may bring.  Do you expect a thank-you?  Do you expect them to treat the gift in a certain way?  Would you be offended if it were re-gifted?

Giving the Dharma.

Of course, what I’m doing now is giving the dharma.  😊  But there are so many other ways.  Sharing experience as we will do shortly is a wonderful way to give the dharma to others.  Hearing your experience, others will learn from you.  It may trigger an insight, help them to see things from a different point of view, or just simply realize that they’re not alone.

Giving protection from fear.

Our practice allows us to be more genuine, open and honest with others.  When we offer metta, when we meditate, when we read about the dharma, these are all acts of generosity.  Anything we do to deepen our practice will naturally and effortlessly offer a way of being that makes people comfortable.  Or, as said in ???, the Dude abides.  

Giving love.

Giving love takes many forms.  It can be giving one’s time, paying attention.  It can be giving affection to a loved one.  Offering metta to specific people, or to all beings, is certainly a generous act.  Really, any action that creates or builds connections with others is an act of generosity.   This is really at the heart of all generosity.  

The reciprocity of generosity.  Accepting the generosity of others is a generosity in itself.  Giving makes people feel good.  Allowing others to do for you will allow them to feel good.  This can be particularly challenging for someone who values independence and doing things on their own.  For me, the experience is a fear of indebtedness.  I don’t want to owe anyone anything.  It may help to open to trusting others.

References

• Gil Fronsdal. “The Practice of Generosity.” Insight Meditation Center. https://www.insightmeditationcenter.org/the-practice-of-generosity/