| DECEMBER II |
| GENEROSITY |
| A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity. ~The Buddha~ |
GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT COMMENTARY: At this time of year, religious or not, many hearts turn to what we term
“the spirit” of giving. More people give to charities, more wishes for peace on earth are sent upward, and generally
there is a celebratory feeling emanating within mankind. However, those who cannot afford gifts, or who are living
on the streets, and who have set high expectations for these holidays, often fall into a deep depression.
In light of this truth, I would have to say that these celebrations seem to be more centered on materialism than the
true meaning of a “Generous Heart.” To give you an idea of what it means to feel the Generosity of Spirit. I want to
share a type of visualization which was taught to me by Pema Chodron.
How does that visualization feel; do you feel the tug to hold on to your beloved coat? Now I’m not telling you to go
out and give away all your material possessions. Very few people can do that in this world and we call them martyrs,
saints, or bodhisattvas. However, I do want you to see that what we call the “Spirit of Generosity,” is for the most
part materially based.
The true meaning of Generosity is to give from the heart without reservation. It can be your time, sending a card to
a sick friend, or even laying down your life for another. Whatever you soul leads you to give is what you should
follow. Generosity of Spirit comes from the soul, it is almost sacrificial, and does not come from the material world.
It considers what is good for the whole, and even if it is doing for one, doing for that one person is helping humanity.
So, in this practice I’ve come full circle to the first video on my index page, “The Ripple Effect.” As you do for one
you do for us all. To further your studies in this practice I suggest you read, Pema Chodron’s Bodhisattva Mind:
Teachings to Cultivate Courage and Awareness in the Midst of Suffering.
(PLEASE NOTE: The last link will start the practices over again. These practices are designed to be done over and over
again, because healing is a process.)
In closing my practices, I leave you with this original prayer, (my heart sutra) which I send out to all humanity from
the depths of my heart:
“the spirit” of giving. More people give to charities, more wishes for peace on earth are sent upward, and generally
there is a celebratory feeling emanating within mankind. However, those who cannot afford gifts, or who are living
on the streets, and who have set high expectations for these holidays, often fall into a deep depression.
In light of this truth, I would have to say that these celebrations seem to be more centered on materialism than the
true meaning of a “Generous Heart.” To give you an idea of what it means to feel the Generosity of Spirit. I want to
share a type of visualization which was taught to me by Pema Chodron.
- Visualize that someone you love very much gave you a beautiful coat. You love the texture, the color; the silk lining
feels like love wrapped around your skin. People you don’t even know stop and compliment you on your coat. You
feel so much pride when you put it on and walk down the street.
When you are strolling along feeling warm and happy, you come upon a homeless person who is freezing on the
side of the street. You stop, take off your coat, and give it to him.
How does that visualization feel; do you feel the tug to hold on to your beloved coat? Now I’m not telling you to go
out and give away all your material possessions. Very few people can do that in this world and we call them martyrs,
saints, or bodhisattvas. However, I do want you to see that what we call the “Spirit of Generosity,” is for the most
part materially based.
The true meaning of Generosity is to give from the heart without reservation. It can be your time, sending a card to
a sick friend, or even laying down your life for another. Whatever you soul leads you to give is what you should
follow. Generosity of Spirit comes from the soul, it is almost sacrificial, and does not come from the material world.
It considers what is good for the whole, and even if it is doing for one, doing for that one person is helping humanity.
So, in this practice I’ve come full circle to the first video on my index page, “The Ripple Effect.” As you do for one
you do for us all. To further your studies in this practice I suggest you read, Pema Chodron’s Bodhisattva Mind:
Teachings to Cultivate Courage and Awareness in the Midst of Suffering.
(PLEASE NOTE: The last link will start the practices over again. These practices are designed to be done over and over
again, because healing is a process.)
In closing my practices, I leave you with this original prayer, (my heart sutra) which I send out to all humanity from
the depths of my heart:
| REPEAT ASPIRATION EVERY DAY FOR 7 DAYS WEEK 3 ASPIRATION: Today, I aspire to overcome my attachment to holding on to things which do not cultivate a giving spirit inside me. SUPPORTS ~DAY 1~ Most people seek after what they do not possess and are thus enslaved by the very things they want to acquire. ~ Anwar El-Sadat I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. ~Maya Angelou ~DAY 3~ No one has ever become poor by giving. ~Anne Frank ~DAY 4~ Giving is more a dictate of the heart than a command of the brain. ~ Henry A. Rosso ~DAY 5~ The heart that gives, gathers. ~ Marianne Moor ~DAY 6~ If you want love and abundance in your life, give it away. ~Mark Twain ~DAY 7~ REST AND REVIEW Now, without judgment review your week. This week there were times when I felt released from materialism. Now breathe in the feeling of freeing yourself from material attachments. Then breathe out the wish: May everyone let go of the things that are holding them back in life and give generously to others. Now, look at your short-falls. This week there were times I was unable to let go of the feeling that I needed to hold on to material things. Breathe in the sequestering of this feeling and breathe out the wish: May all those who find material objects more important than a giving spirit be spared from the cage they are living inside. Feel free to use your own words in this practice |
| REPEAT ASPIRATION EVERY DAY FOR 7 DAYS WEEK 4 ASPIRATION: Today, I aspire to visualize giving away one of my material possessions which holds great value to me. SUPPORTS ~DAY 1~ One would give generous alms if one had the eyes to see the beauty of a cupped receiving hand. ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe ~DAY 2~ Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give possesses you. ~Andre Gide ~DAY 3~ There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. ~John Andrew Holmes ~DAY 4~ One cannot reflect in streaming water. Only those who know internal peace can give it to others. ~Lao Tzu ~DAY 5~ The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The meaning of life is giving your gift away. ~David Viscott ~DAY 6~ We are not held back by the love we didn’t receive in the past, but by the love we’re not extending in the present. Marianne Williamson ~DAY 7~ REST AND REVIEW Now, without judgment review your week. This week there were times when I was able to visualize giving away my most prized possession. Now breathe in the feeling of complete generosity of spirit which arose from that vision. Then breathe out the wish: May everyone be released from the bondage of holding on. Now, look at your short-falls. This week there were times I was unable to even consider given my favorite thing away. Breathe in the stifling of holding on to something instead of giving to someone and breathe out the wish: May all us be free from materialism. Feel free to use your own words in this practice |
May your heart remain open. May you live in Loving kindness. May you be healed, May you be the source of healing for all life. May you be a channel for the light of God. |
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