Generosity II

Generosity is one of the first teachings that the Buddha gives. It is important for our spiritual growth. We need to practice generosity.

However, if we approach this practice as a duty or an obligation, rather than with curiosity, interest, joy, and anticipation, then our practice will wither away without the determination needed to sustain it.

Here is a section on the Joy of Generosity from an article in Buddhadharma magazine by Nikki Mirghafori, a Buddhist teacher and Artificial Intelligence scientist.

Generosity does not and cannot come into its full fruition with an attitude of grim duty. The attitude of “I should be generous” or “I should let go” is one of forced expectation, and it works as well as hitting a donkey with a stick. The poor animal will move a few paces, then stop. Offering carrots, in contrast, can provide aspiration, where we take on a practice as a training with curiosity, interest, perhaps even zest, giving it our heart. We each know this from our own lived experience: when we feel bright with inspiration, we want to offer our time, skills, and resources for the benefit of another. Our hearts are uplifted in the celebration of release, relishing the goodness co-created when other beings benefit from our goodness.

What I will ask you is, “What is your ‘carrot’?”

What would draw you into a generous spirit with interest and anticipation of the outcome of living a more generous life for the benefit of others?