This morning, as my son and I made our to Brooklyn on the train, we encountered the seemingly ubiquitous homeless person begging for a handout. Although I am committed to teaching my son about the importance of generosity I was not initially impressed by the man’s demeanor nor his story. I think the most important thing about this morning’s episode was that it afforded me the opportunity to see into the machinations of a closed heart. I mean, what really is the value of a dollar in comparisn with the merit made in giving? Nonetheless I find myself meeting with a hard heart when I have the chance to give more often than I would like to admit.
Some of the reasons for this attitude are old and familiar: don’t give to people who are probably drug addicts; don’t give to people who are too lazy to work or avail themselves of publicf services. In addition to these, the more pernicious ones seem to be based on my own poor understanding of the Dhamma. For example, because I am concerned with maximizing the benefit and merit obtained by my finite reesources, I sometimes shirk at the opportunity to give to those who are less than worthy. In other words, why give to a lout or drunkard when there are plenty of bhikkhus in need? There is a certain compelling logic to this and I think, if I understand the Buddhadhamma correctly, that more merit and good results from giving to a pure recipient but in terms of my own practice understanding the metaphysics of dana in this way is not useful and doesn’t help to cultivate dana parami at all.
So, in the end, despite my misgivings I gave the man a dollar. I relied on the reflection that I would not want to make my living in such a way even if it meant I would be a millionaire so I was able to generate some compassion and give from it. Still, it was difficult and it was certainly one of the lower forms of giving. I hope to come to an ever better understanding of dana as my practice grows and slowly melt my heart.
May we all understand the power of dana and cultivate it until it is perfected in our hearts!
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
Perhaps by your giving, if you do so freely, the recipient will be encouraged by your generosity and kindness to do something about his sorry state.
Maybe not, but one can always hope. In the end, we are our own refuge, no?
Be well, friend.
By: Hickersonia on 04/29/2013
at 1:04 pm
Thank you! Another tool for the box!
By: Upāsaka on 04/29/2013
at 1:35 pm
I take a different approach, as I have mentioned in my blog. If I give a person money, and they misuse it, I share in the karma created. Instead I will walk with a person who I choose to help, to a Subway, Chinese fast food or other place where I buy them a meal, and chat a little. The human contact in some cases means more to them than the food. I don’t try to help everyone, and It doesn’t matter what the story they tell, so this way I am not judging them either.
By: keiththegreen on 04/29/2013
at 1:32 pm
Keith,
I like your approach and will certainly incline toward taking it up (although I have a different take on the kammic aspect). In this case, and in many others in our hectic lives, we were on our way to somewhere else and there was no time for much more than an offering of a dollar. Thank you and be well!
By: Upāsaka on 04/29/2013
at 1:34 pm
You are very right,dear Dhamma friend,it.s the continues training that helps us..in lay time,after many of same experiences with many,many beggars in kandy town,i always went out with tiny coins in pockets,to turn away from own locked heart-beggars liked the amount or not,gesture was done pure+a medicine for me..we are not responsible for all and everything..but dana is a wide field:we can give our time, a smile,a listening..Dhamma dana of your blog..don.t underestimate..also a great field to be living Dhamma example for your kids…There are worthy once around,who are practising in the “school uniform” of the Buddha..that.s indeed a good field..if i come across a meaningful “project” here i will inform you,ok. Lot of merits to share such details,we all have similar experience and can recognize ourself in you..so we are not separated from each other …much Metta. BHAVATU SABBE MANGALAM!
By: Ven.dhammadipa on 04/29/2013
at 4:42 pm
You are very right,dear Dhamma friend,it.s the continues training that helps us.In lay time,after many of same experiences with many,many beggars in India and Sri Lanka,i always went out with tiny coins in pockets,to turn away from own locked heart.Beggars liked the amount or not,gesture was done pure,friendly+as medicine for me.We are not responsible for all and everything.Also Dana is a wide field: we can give our time, a smile,a friendly word,a listening,the Dhamma Dana of your blog..never underestimate..also a great field to be living Dhamma example for your kids…There are worthy once around,who are practising correct in the robe of Buddha..that.s indeed a great field of merits. Lot of blessings to share such details open.Allmost all of us have similar experiences and can recognize ourself in your experience..so we are not separated from each other. Much Metta. BHAVATU SABBE MANGALAM!
By: Ven.dhammadipa on 04/29/2013
at 4:52 pm