Contemplating the Extent of
own
Generosity:
One naturally devoted to generosity by the
constant practice of giving and
sharing makes the decision: From now on, whenever there is anyone present
to receive, I shall not eat even a single mouthful without having
shared some!
And that very day he should give a gift by sharing whatever according to his
means and his ability with those, who have distinguished
fine mental qualities.
When he has apprehended the sign in that, he should go into solitary retreat
and recollect his own generosity in its special qualities of being free from
the stain of mean miserliness like this: "It is gain for me, it is great gain
for
me, that in a culture obsessed by the greedy stain of niggardliness, I abide
with my mind and heart free from penny-pinching stinginess. I delight indeed
in relinquishing, by being freely generous
and open-handed, always welcoming
any request, by rejoicing in all altruistic giving and sharing (AN
III 287).
Any who gives life by giving food will get life and strength either divine, or
as
a human (AN III 42). Any giver is loved
and frequented by many (AN III 40).
One who gives, is ever loved, according to the wise man's law! (AN
III 41).
When a Bhikkhu is devoted to this recollection of generosity, he becomes
ever more intent on generosity, his favourite becomes non-greedy charity,
he acts with kind, noble, and loving liberality, and he gains a fine
lion-heart.
He enjoys much happiness, contentment, and gladness. And if he penetrates
no higher, he is at least headed for a happy destiny.
:-)
The Gods became Gods as a result of their
magnanimous Giving!
Now when a man is truly wise,
His constant task will surely be:
This recollection of his prior giving,
Blessed with such mighty potency!
Visuddhimagga I 224
More on Generosity
(Dāna)
= The 1st mental perfection:
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/giving.htm
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/The_3_Gifts.htm
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Glad_Giving.htm
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/caaga.htm
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/III/Kathina_Ceremony.htm
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/library/DPPN/wtb/b_f/daana.htm
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/Openhanded_Generosity.htm
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/IV/Generosity_Contemplation.htm
https://What-Buddha-Said.net/drops/II/Kamma_leading_to_Wealth_or_Poverty.htm
