(Photo by Teh Shiau Ching)
Someone asked Master Cheng Yen, “What is true giving?”
The Master answered:
One must be sincere and mindful to truly give.
Ordinary folks are so mesmerized by illusory matters and things in this world to the extent that their pure innate nature is clouded by their mental defilement. Even brief realization of truth is quickly inhibited by ignorance. The reality that life is illusory and impermanent is beyond the understanding of ordinary folks. Most people are attached to the “self” and are only willing to work for their own safety, their career, their family, their children and are only willing to help people whom they like. True giving seeks nothing in return and has no concept of gains and losses.
To be mindful is to have no evil thoughts. When serving others, one needs to let go of all the troubles in one’s mind. If one thinks about reaping reward when serving others, it will become a burden to the mind. In conclusion, true giving seeks nothing in return, and it steers clear of worldly affairs and disputes as well as the calculative mindset of gains and losses.
If ordinary folks can open their hearts to love others see beyond personal gains and losses when giving, such selfless giving is true giving as it is without motive.
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