Generosity III

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

Here is a quote from a talk given by Pope Francis at TED 2017, titled “The Future You:”

First and foremost, I would love it if this meeting could help to remind us that we all need each other, none of us is an island, an autonomous and independent “I,” separated from the other, and we can only build the future by standing together, including everyone. We don’t think about it often, but everything is connected, and we need to restore our connections to a healthy state. Even the harsh judgment I hold in my heart against my brother or my sister, the open wound that was never cured, the offense that was never forgiven, the rancor that is only going to hurt me, are all instances of a fight that I carry within me, a flare deep in my heart that needs to be extinguished before it goes up in flames, leaving only ashes behind…

How wonderful would it be if solidarity, this beautiful and, at times, inconvenient word, were not simply reduced to social work, and became, instead, the default attitude in political, economic and scientific choices, as well as in the relationships among individuals, peoples and countries…

In order to do good, we need memory, we need courage and we need creativity. And I know that TED gathers many creative minds. Yes, love does require a creative, concrete and ingenious attitude. Good intentions and conventional formulas, so often used to appease our conscience, are not enough. Let us help each other, all together, to remember that the other is not a statistic or a number. The other has a face. The “you” is always a real presence, a person to take care of.

My feeling and understanding is that Generosity of Mind and Heart is the first step toward seeing the true nature in others, their innate goodness, and losing the attitude that those people are ‘others’, not deserving of my time, attention, and care. They are just like me in wanting and needing to be well and happy in their lives.

How can I help?