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Giving
Buddhist:
dana
Contrary to
the popular view, the individual who has begun to grasp the essence of the
Buddha dharma realizes that giving (i.e. dana) is neither a virtue nor a means
to perfection. For a true Buddhist, giving, if one has received, is a
necessity. The
transactions of giving and receiving both create strings (now called links).
Strings create relationship. And relationship, since it binds, operates as
cause of suffering. In short, ‘There is no such thing as a free lunch!’ Consequently,
the savvy Buddhist will, if he or she has received, and been linked (hence
bound), cut that link to regain his or her freedom. So, if – and
only if – you have received (a bit of freedom) from this website, and been
linked through it to me, cut the link by an act of generosity. It’s in your
own best interest. The quality (i.e. amount) of the donation that releases is
of no consequence, but might be the cost of a breakfast or lunch, to be sent
via PayPal:- When the
Buddhist bhikku goes ‘begging’ for his lunch (actually he does not so much
beg as offer a service (such as showing the robe and bowl) and which itself
is serviced in advance), he averts his gaze so as not to create a link. He
does not judge what he gets. When, in return, he inspires individuals with
his wisdom, he does not gaze at them in order to avoid creating a link. Both
are fed and refreshed by the encounter and free to proceed upon their
separate ways.
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