The eleventh of 108 Gates Of Dharma Illumination

[Shokai]

11) The Eleventh Gate: Mindfulness of generosity

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

Mindfulness of giving is a gate of realizing Dharma; it makes you free from wanting a reward. (Tanahashi)

Gate Gatha:

May we, together with all buddhas;
Give generously of our resources, wealth and knowledge
That we may not expect reward.

Reflection Prompts:
1. Why would mindfulness of generosity remove any expectation of reward?

2. How is generosity different from giving?

3. Why should we not expect a reward?

Capping Verse:

Giving and taking
Empty words
This just gives to this

gassho,Shokai
stlah

[Shokai]

My apologies for this late posting. I was without internet for 24 hours.

gassho, Shokai

[aprapti]

3. Why should we not expect a reward?

if you expect a reward, you are not giving, you are doing business..


aprapti


sat

[Tairin]

Thank you Shokai.

Generosity isn’t something that I feel comes naturally to me. It is definitely a trait I need to actively cultivate.

I like the distinction between giving and generosity. Generous people give but people who give aren’t necessarily generous. They may be giving with the objective of some reward.


Tairin
Sat today and lah

[Tai Do]

Thank you, Shokai, for bringing us the Eleventh Gate.

1. Why would mindfulness of generosity remove any expectation of reward?

I think that mindfulness of generosity reminds us that giving generously is to be done without any expectations.

2. How is generosity different from giving?

I agree with Tairin that generosity involves more than giving and requires no expectation of reward.

3. Why should we not expect a reward?

Because the giver, the receiver and the gift are not separated.

Gassho,
Mateus
Satlah

[Nengyoku]

What do I have to give?
What have I to receive?
All that is, simply is, and so we should aspire to be generous in sharing it to others.

Gassho,
Nengyoku
SatLah

[Guest]

Why would mindfulness of generosity remove any expectation of reward?

2. How is generosity different from giving?

3. Why should we not expect a reward?

Mindfulness of generosity is the realization that there is no separation within the three wheels: giver, receiver, and gift. Ultimately, we are not separate, but in this functional world, we each have our place. The whole functions in this world because of its parts, therefore if I give to you, I am giving to the whole and thus giver is the receiver and the gift. Generosity is therefore not different from giving. To be generous means to give of yourself and not be stingy. To keep your resources, time, and energy solely for yourself is a delusion of separateness. In the Hsin hsin ming, Sengcan says

The reality realm of true suchness has no other or self. If you want to tune in right away, just speak of non-duality. Nonduality is all the same; there's nothing it doesn't contain.

Therefore, in this non-dual Dharma there is no separation; and to act from a place of separation is the seed of greed, anger, and ignorance. To expect a reward from our acts of kindness is to hold ourselves out from the whole as if we are special for keeping the wheel of the Dharma going. It is each person's responsibility to keep the wheel turning. Without it, life ceases to exist.

Gassho,

Bill (Daiman)

Sat Today

[Tai Do]

Therefore, in this non-dual Dharma there is no separation; and to act from a place of separation is the seed of greed, anger, and ignorance. To expect a reward from our acts of kindness is to hold ourselves out from the whole as if we are special for keeping the wheel of the Dharma going. It is each person's responsibility to keep the wheel turning. Without it, life ceases to exist.

Mateus
Satlah