No giver, no taker...only the gift - The power of generosity

I read something very interesting today.

The Buddha said "If you knew what I know about the power of generosity, you would not let a single meal go by without sharing it."

This is not just about "okay, give things, donate things." It is about the cultivation of generosity, training yourself to be able to give from the heart and mind. In giving, we let go.

One other thing on giving that I found fascinating was the idea that "there is no separation between the giver and the taker."

I thought about this one for a little bit, and then it all made sense to me. Let me give you a small and somewhat quirky example.

At Halloween time, I always find it fun to give (to the really little kids anyway) comic books away with the candy.

Flashback in time with me for a moment to when someone - even if it was an uncle or a grandparent, etc - gave me a comic book. It doesn't matter if it was to keep me busy in the store, or as a gift, etc. The fact that they gave it to me as a little child and the incredibly wonderful and happy feeling it gave me. A sense of wonder and excitement of an adventure.

All these feelings...that I am now passing along.

I am somehow both myself back as a child receiving the gift, as well as the giver as the adult me, as well as the child receiving it now via our connection.

All because of this gift.

Pretty nifty. :)