Giving and Gratitude

Blessed are those who can give without remembering

And take without forgetting.

Reflection

* Dana ( charity, generosity, service and helpfulness ) is a most important spiritual quality to practice. Dana is one of the perfections a Bodhisattva cultivates on his Path to Enlightenment.

* Through the practice of Dana, one begins to let go of his attachments, to 'lose' his self. One's mind begins to grow in compassion and wisdom. A 'loosening' of the self gradually frees the mind ... the mind becomes more happy and peaceful.

* One should give out of sincerity and a purity of the mind ... no expectation, no hoping for a reward, no yearning to satisfy the ego self. Watch the mind ...

* One should forget and let go after a Dana act ... harbor no desire for a gain.

* One who receives help, dana or service should practise gratitude ... gratitude is a humble and good spiritual quality to cultivate. An ungrateful person would not relate well to others ... before long negative reations may befall him.

* We owe the Fully Enlightened Buddha the greatest gratitude of all. He gave us the Dhamma ... He showed us the Path that will lead to ultimate happiness, peace and freedom.

* The best way we can show our gratitude to the Buddha is to practise the Dhamma ardently.

The Buddha said, "He who sees the Dhamma sees Me. Strive on diligently."