Status Updates From The Six Perfections: Buddhi...

The first perfection - Danaparamita (generosity) was eye opening; nothing can be given with the self in mind. So often we give from generosity, but do so with the expectation that we're recognized for the gift - with ego. In true Buddhist fashion, one cannot give a gift without first acknowledging the influence of everything else in your life that led you to this moment.

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discussing how to apply the ancient buddhist ideal of “generosity” to modern day. highlights that while selflessness has been stressed, there are other dimensions to giving such as wisdom in giving and awareness of the consequences of giving and truly benefitting the recipient and society as a whole. interesting to hear buddhist parables that speak to this: the generous king and the hungry tigress

perfection of generosity - giving without perceiving a donor, a recipient, and a gift. all are conditional things that arise out of countless conditions and circumstances.

what an intro

i don’t know if its my past experiences with buddhism or my lack of formal buddhist instruction or just i have not been developmentally ready to receive buddhist teachings but this book lays out clearly how i can actually use buddhism in my life in a way that is inviting and invigorating rather than prescriptive and static

“and although circumstances beyond anyone’s control will make very different possibilities available for different people, Buddhists have always recognized that the different between those who assume the task of self-sculpting with imagination, integrity, and courage, and those who do not is enormous, constituting in Buddhism the difference between enlightened ways of being in the world and unenlightened ways.”

written in a very academic english way but is maintains a powerful and compassionate energy. reads like a trustworthy teacher who invites you on a challenging course of self discovery.

it is dense though