“When you have done a good act and another has received it, why do you look for a third thing besides these, as fools do, either to have the reputation of having done a good act or to obtain a return?”
(Meditations, VII.73)
Despite making the practice of generosity an integral part of my life, I have yet to learn how to give without at least a remainder of self-concern. In fact, this quote by Seneca perfectly captures the sense of a imperfect giving with the image of the gift somehow leaving a sticky residue on the hands that are giving.
We should give as we would receive, cheerfully, quickly, and without hesitation; for there is no grace in a benefit that sticks to the fingers.
Lucius Annaeus Seneca
May I learn to give without stain.
May I learn to help with hope of return.
Cattāri Brahmavihārā 
Leave a Reply