Generosity V

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

The most important aspect of Generosity is our intention and attitude around our giving. Even if we are unable to offer material or spiritual support to others, having the intention to share and a caring attitude toward them will strengthen the commitment to generosity within our lives.

Here are some notes from the Buddhist nun, teacher, and author, Venerable Thubten Chodron.

Generosity is the wish to give. It’s the wish to share. If we can actually give it’s even better. Sometimes, however, we don’t have the actual materials to give. Therefore, to avoid people thinking, “I can’t do the far-reaching attitude of generosity unless I am rich,” the Buddha said we can perfect this far-reaching attitude by developing the wish to give, because it is the wish that is the most important thing. If the wish is there, then when we have the material or whatever it is we might wish to give, then the giving comes quite naturally. But even if we have lots of things, if there is no wish to give then the giving doesn’t happen.

In the practice of giving material, as with other practices, the motivation is the most important thing. We want to give with a kind motivation toward the receivers. We also want to develop the specific thought beforehand that we are giving in order to become [an Awakened one] so that we can eventually benefit all sentient beings, and that we are giving in order to directly benefit the person whom we are giving to. Giving in this way, then, isn’t just feeling warm-hearted and giving somebody something. The far-reaching attitude of giving is definitely conjoined with this bodhicitta [the desire to awaken to our innate wisdom & compassion] motivation. It’s important to remember that.

So, what are some of the ways that we can cultivate this attitude and intention of generosity?

One way is to recall the benefactors and caring moments from our life. These were often times that others were generous and giving to us; giving their time, their attention, their protection, and their love and compassion. Each time we recall a caring moment like that the qualities that are present resonate with and enliven those qualities within us. This can be during our formal seated meditation practice or at any time of the day when we stop to take a break from our everyday activities.

Another way to begin is to notice acts of kindness and generosity that we see in our daily lives. These can be acts that we see others engaged in or we can notice when we are generous with our time, material goods, or care for others. Rather than let these moments pass quickly through our day (and our mind), we can be more mindful of these moments in our lives. We can see that generosity is already flowing from us in many ways.