Thereby the force of our generosity is enhanced. There is more power to transform our self-
centered ego that grasps so tightly to our distorted perception of who we are (see also
.
The resulting detachment is not aloofness. It is the opposite. It brings us closer to others by
eliminating the need for continually focusing on me, me and me. Occasionally when the wisdom
feels close and I am able to take a glimpse, the heart feels open and happy. This is not an excited
happiness. Rather, it is peaceful with a feeling of vastness. Breathing is easier, fuller and slower
than normal. I feel like I am smiling from deep within myself.
Barry Kerzin
"Generosity"
1:12 min
If what we give is likely to be used to harm others, it is better not to give. It is important to take joy
in giving. Often we dedicate giving to some higher altruistic goal. Mentally giving our food, beautiful
scenery, delightful sounds of nature and music, and a feeling of joy to everyone in need is
worthwhile. Then when I am able to offer everything I encounter that is wholesome to the
enlightenment of everyone, this feels so freeing. Everything seems okay and harmonious. This
helps ensure that our generosity is not limited due to partiality or bias. Rather, our generosity is
directed towards the betterment of humanity. Dedication allows the giver to experience the
sympathetic joy of giving to another. Dedication directs the positive energy to the welfare of all.
Feeling this joy is important. It becomes a strong motivator for us to repeat acts of kindness and
charity in the future. The wonderful thing about giving is that it not only benefits the recipient, it also
brings profound benefits to the giver. The more one gives, the more one enjoys giving. It seems to
snowball for me. When I am in the giving mood, I just want to keep giving. The inner joy is
delicious. Mentally giving everything delightful to all living beings has become a habit, especially
before eating. Food tastes better!
Honesty
Honesty is the foundation of an ethical lifestyle. Without it we are lost. We have no frame of
reference out of which we can operate. We lack an ethical compass. Honesty is directed towards
others and also directed towards our self. The more honesty we cultivate, especially towards our
self, the more we become transparent. Our inner world becomes more congruent with our outer
behavior. Honesty and transparency foster respect. Respect is once again both towards others and
towards our self. Cultivating respect towards our self makes it easier to respect others. Then it is
easier to feel happy when others experience success and joy. We become gentler with ourselves.
This naturally softens us to become gentler with others. Moreover, this newfound honesty and
mutual respect not only softens and makes us gentler, it also cultivates trust. As with honesty and
respect, trust is mutual. We find it easier to trust others and be less suspicious. We also find it
easier to trust our self. This leads to reduced guilt and more healthy self-confidence. It increases
our capacity to spontaneously laugh. We can laugh at our self in a positive way that is non-
judgmental. We are able to genuinely laugh at our self without putting our self down. We become
more relaxed and act more naturally. Honesty is the foundation for a healthy, balanced, happy life.
It is our ethical compass. Without honesty we drift off course, sometimes unknowingly. Honesty is
the foundation for mutual respect. Respect for others moistens our heart with love and
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