In Buddhism, people are encouraged to give as much as possible without anticipating a return of a gift or favor. This action of selfless giving is called Dana. Dana makes sense to me because it feels amazing to give others what they need for no other reason than they need it. I’ve been told by many people it makes you feel good to give. Sure, it does, but that is not the reason to give.

 

By Louis De Lauro

You deserve to be loved and inspired.

Christmas is coming. Hanukkah is here. Here are some simple thoughts about the holidays that hide in my mind every December. These thoughts might hide in your mind too, so I am hoping I can help us make some sense of these thoughts together.

It’s better to give than to receive. Give—such a beautiful word. Why is it spelled like dive, hive, and drive? Give should be spelled g-i-v. And live should be spelled l-i-v. Some things don’t make sense. Some things do.

I feel in my heart that the right way to live is to give. This makes sense. I know you agree.

In Buddhism, people are encouraged to give as much as possible without anticipating a return of a gift or favor. This action of selfless giving is called Dana.

Dana makes sense to me because it feels amazing to give others what they need for no other reason than they need it. I’ve been told by many people it makes you feel good to give. Sure, it does, but that is not the reason to give.

We should give, so others can receive what they need.

Some people might need a kind word. Or a smile. Or an ear to listen.

Some people might need food or clothing or something tangible.

Some people might need encouragement or a favor.

Others might need to be held tight.

It doesn’t make sense to me that so many people think about giving gifts on Christmas, Hanukkah, and birthdays, but not on random days in March or July. It doesn’t make sense that many people value giving physical items more than giving acts of kindness and love.

Kind words carry us. Kind words are often enough. Sadly, kind words are too often few and far between.

When I was a young teacher I purchased over 100 dollars worth of gifts for a student in my classroom who was displaced from his home. The boy gave away all of the gifts I bought for him to other children who were displaced and as needy as him. He gave away new clothing, new shoes, games and a football. In this lifetime, this student will always be one of my greatest teachers. I know some of you reading this are incredibly generous just like my student. I love that about you.

My friend in Florida saves turtles on the road. Another friend in North Carolina saves kittens. They receive nothing in return. I am not even going to mention them by name in this blog. They do not save animals in distress to be congratulated. They save animals because sometimes animals need to be saved.

Some of you reading this save animals too. I love that about you.

When my wife was very ill, family and friends sent food to our doorstep. More than a few sent us money that paid unpaid bills. They also sent kind words and encouragement. Never in my life had I ever felt so supported and embraced.

The feeling of being cared for when my dear wife was ill was so strong that the feeling has never left me. Some of you reading this have supported friends, family, and even strangers in need. I love that about you.

Christmas is coming. Hanukkah is here. Give.

Start with kind words. Find someone who needs food and feed them. Encourage your friend who is struggling. And find someone who needs an embrace and hold them tight.

Also, embrace Dana this holiday season. But also embrace Dana in March, and July, and don’t forget the other nine months of the year.

This blog was a gift from me to you.  I want nothing in return. I hope I helped you make some sense out of the thoughts that hide in our minds this time of year. Thanks for doing so much for others. I love that about you.

I hope you feel loved and inspired.

 

 

Photo: Pixabay

Editor: Dana Gornall

 

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You’ve Got a Brand New Set of 24 Hours: They are a Gift

In the Deep Midwinter: The Gift of Sympathetic Joy {Part 3}

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