Yoga and the Art of Practicing Generosity
/
Davnel, Keoni Movemwnt Arts student, enjoying dancing!
At this time of the year, these words by the Venerable Ariya Nani always come back to my mind:
If you knew what I know about generosity and the results of giving, you would not let one single day go by without giving something to someone else.
– The Buddha, as interpreted by the Venerable Ariya Nani
What might the Buddha have meant by this teaching? Well, according to the Buddhist Meditation Teacher, Gina Sharpe:
Generosity is the very first parami, or quality of an awakened mind. The path begins there because of the joy and openness that arise from the generous heart.
Think about it. Whenever we give to someone else, it makes us feel happy. It brings our mind to the awareness that we have abundance, more than enough to sustain us. When our mind is aware of this abundance, we benefit by feeling lighter and less fearful and worried. And of course, whatever it is that we give away can make someone else’s life feel more abundant. So in order for one’s mind to be awakened, having the experience of spaciousness and abundance first leads to lightness and freedom.
According to another teacher, Kamala Masters:
Generosity is a medicine for our tendency to hold on to things, to cling to life as it is, because it is developing the opposite, developing our ability to let go… letting go of the material… of our need to be right…
I would add that practicing generosity frees our mind and hearts from the delusion that it is somehow lacking. It can bring the mind to a starting point of existing in a place of wealth, not poverty.
To me, the art of practicing generosity entails:
Taking time daily to lessen our burdens by letting go of that which we no longer need and want.
Remembering that we have much more than we need and always have something we can give away – whether it be something material like money or something immaterial but no less important like a kind smile to or patience with another.
Remembering that we are more than just our current possessions – both material and psychic – but we are also our potential for manifesting more of the material and psychic things that we truly want and need.
Practicing Generosity with ourselves. We all experience the negativity of life, and it is our human nature to “go to the negative” before seeing the positive. At these times, we must be generous in our kindness towards and patience with our own selves.
Remembering that there is a flow to life that we are always free step into. Practicing generosity with ourselves means not resisting that flow. Practicing generosity towards others means not resisting their flow.
So, as you close out your old year, see if you can come into the new year with a greater sense of freedom. Let go of the old, lighten your load of both the material and the psychic. Remember all that you have and share it with the world.
May you be happy,
May you be healthy,
May you be generous,
May you enter the new year with a greater sense of freedom, …
For your benefit and for the benefit of all beings everywhere.
Aloha, with Metta,
Paul Keoni Chun
May you fly into your new year with courage, humility, and grace!