Believe it or not, it can sometimes be difficult to find a recipient for one’s generosity. I have made it a part of daily practice to give once daily, by my own hand if possible, as a way of cultivating compassion, renunciation and generosity but there are times when I don’t come across anyone to whom to give. In the past, I have shared my falafel with a pigeon and considered that as satisfying my practice commitment but, when you’re busily commuting from place to place, you don’t always have such a luxury.
So, yesterday after my dentist appointment, I was walking home and stopped by a halal cart to pick up a falafel wrap. I had thought once or twice about paying for the next person’s meal a a way of practicing dana parami so when the opportunity to do so arose I took it. Explaining to the halal guy why I didn’t want change was a little awkward but worked out in the end. Seeing the smile in his face and the warmth in my heart has convinced me that I should add this tool to my repertory as well. May All beings be free from want, hunger and thirst.
Confession of Faults
Last night I was overcome by anger at my son for his disrespectful behavior and speech. I smacked him in the back of the head as a way of getting his attention and disciplining him. He wasn’t hurt but his mother is completely against any form of corporal punishment and it creates more problems than it solved. May I be forgiven for any harm I caused and may I restrain myself in the future.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
One of the most important aspects of generosity is to accept it from other as well. Never say no when someone gives you something, you may pass it on of not needed, but never stop the circle of generosity.
By: quantumpreceptor on 10/14/2016
at 11:02 pm