The 11th of108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

Gate Eleven
Read the following, place it in your heart and sleep on it. Then, tomorrow, live it until evening when you can leave a brief comment on what you may have received during the process.

Mindfulness of generosity is a gate of Dharma illumination; for [with it] we do not expect reward.

By “Dharma Gate”, we mean a teaching or practice we can study to gain insights into the deepening our practice. It's a way to integrate our understanding of approaching reality.

The Koan:
"In the early days there were no snacks in the kitchen at Tassajara, So sometimes I'd send cookies to a friend of mine there. I began to wonder why she didn't write to say how great I was.Then I thought , how selfish of me. I'm not being generous, there are strings attached. I just want something back.
I told Suzujki Roshi about this and he said," It's all right for you take care of her, but first you have to take care of Yourself !" His voice rose as he Said this, and then he got right in my face to say loudly,"Do you understand?"
. -Zen is Right Here pg.101


A Most note worthy reply :
When we can see others as not separate from ourselves, we simply give as a natural expression of being.
That’s the real trick isn’t it. Giving without any expectation of reward. Often giving at least has the reward of self satisfaction and good feelings of being the giver. Here we are talking about a generosity that is as natural and instinctive as breathing.

Giving and taking

Empty words

This just gives to this

gassho, Shokai
stlah

[Nengyoku]

[Kotei]

[Tairin]

A Most note worthy reply :
When we can see others as not separate from ourselves, we simply give as a natural expression of being.
That’s the real trick isn’t it. Giving without any expectation of reward. Often giving at least has the reward of self satisfaction and good feelings of being the giver. Here we are talking about a generosity that is as natural and instinctive as breathing.

Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Anchi]

[Juki]

p.s. internet based businesses must have learned this lesson long ago, because every website I visit says "must accept cookies."

Gassho,
Juki

sat today and lah

[aprapti]

[Nengyoku]

This makes me think of the crippling anxiety I begin to feel when faced with insurmountable obstacles like climate change. What could I possible do on a scale as large as the world?
But that feeling, too, is rooted in expecting a reward. Maybe a just and noble reward, but a reward nonetheless. The reward of saving an ecology, or a way of life for island cultures, or what have you.

But seeking truly no reward, one can act merely because it is right. And any action becomes enough.

Maybe a different response to this prompt than intended, but one I needed I think. Thank you.
Sorry to run long.

Gassho,
William
Sat

[Shokai]

Can't run long here.

gassho, Shokai