Dana - charity cont'd

[Guest guest]

.....Third, the purity of the recipient also

matters [sN III.24]. When we give to virtuous people --

those who, at the very least, abide by the five

precepts -- we not only acknowledge their intention to

develop virtue (sila), but we also reinforce our own

resolve. Giving to virtuous people is thus a powerful

kammic force whose benefits extend far beyond the moment

of giving itself. Generosity and virtue are deeply

intertwined; when we learn to exercise our generous impulses

skillfully, and give where the gift reaps the greatest fruit,

we make the most of them both. Whether we are giver

or recipient, we stand to benefit most from

generosity when we take virtue seriously.

..."<br><br>Finally, an appeal to fledgling Buddhist groups and

organizations: please be very, very patient, and resist the

temptation to make your organization grow. The success of a

Buddhist organization should never be measured in

conventional commercial terms: number of members, number of

downloads, number of courses taught, amount of money raised,

etc. Its success can only be measured by how well it

embodies the Buddha's teachings. If it does good work that

is rooted firmly in the principles of virtue, people

who recognize virtue when they see it will inevitably

take notice and be inspired to lend a hand with

unbounded generosity. Any organization that can do this

much passes on to others, in the most direct way

possible, the priceless tradition of generosity, which is

the heart and soul of Dhamma -- the greatest gift of

all [Dhp 354].

"<br><br><a href=http://www.accesstoinsight.org/faq.html

target=new>http://www.accesstoinsight.org/faq.html</a><br>----------------------\

-------------------<br>Beautiful example of the practice of Dharma. I can see

why

Buddhism is a fast growing religion. While the principles

are talked about in other faiths too, many tend to

get lost in the race of egos. <br><br>In the eastern

tradition, ashrams and other such schools were supported by

the government and wealthy patrons. In todays time a

balance has certainly got to be struck between raising

funds to survive and running a rat race for being

"bigger" and "better". I hope one day the convenience of

the net can be used to make available all Hindu texts

to all those who are interested. Many insititutions

already sell books and other services at nominal costs

refusing to make a profit out of selling "spiritualism".

<br><br>Selling of such servies may have something to do with the

capitalist concept that unless people pay money for

something they don't value it. In my experience I have seen

many buy valued services only to be shelved away for

another exciting - better or more improved service from

another. <br><br>Members!!!! We have several very valuable

discussions going on with varied degree of importance for all

sadhaks. If one is a sadhak, there is a topic here that is

relevant to you. Come along members .. where are your

voices? Looking for lots of responses on our varied

topics!<br><br>_/\_ Tat twam asi<br><br>Uma