Tag: GENEROSITY

The Power of a Sincere Heart: How True Generosity Creates Boundless Merit

linda changLeave a comment

In the Buddhist scriptures of China, a profound story is recorded—one that illuminates the immeasurable merit of a sincere offering.

Once, there was a poor girl who survived by begging. She often watched wealthy young ladies, accompanied by attendants, visit the temple to offer alms and perform good deeds. Seeing their generosity, she felt a deep yearning to cultivate merit but had nothing to give. Determined, she worked tirelessly to save whatever she could. After much effort, she managed to save a single coin. Though small in value, it represented all she had. With unwavering devotion, she took her humble offering to the temple.

The abbot, upon learning of her sincerity, was deeply moved. He gathered his disciples and announced, “Today, I will personally preside over the offering and pray for this devout laywoman!”

Not long after, an extraordinary turn of events unfolded.

After the queen of the land passed away, the grieving king sank into sorrow. To lift his spirits, his ministers organized a hunting expedition. As the royal party rode through the forest, the king noticed a shimmering light ahead. Curious, he approached and discovered a breathtakingly beautiful young woman. Though her clothes were tattered, she radiated an ethereal grace.

Captivated by her presence, the king brought her back to the palace. Before long, she became his new queen.

Overjoyed by her newfound fortune, she reflected on her past: “This must be the reward of my small act of generosity! I only donated one coin, yet it planted the seed for such incredible merit. Now that I have wealth, I should return to the temple to express my gratitude with a much grander offering!”

Determined to make a grand gesture, she dressed in the finest attire, adorned herself with jewels, and loaded dozens of carts with silver and gold for donation. As she approached the temple, she thought, “Before, when I gave only one coin, the abbot personally prayed for me. Now that I bring such vast riches, surely the reception will be even greater!”

Upon her arrival, she expected an elaborate welcome. Yet, to her surprise, only a few monks came to receive her offerings, and the rituals were conducted in the usual manner.

Perplexed, she approached an elderly monk and asked, “Why is it that when I was poor and donated a single coin, the abbot himself prayed for me? Yet today, when I bring such wealth, only a few monks perform the prayers?”

The monk smiled gently and replied, “At that time, your single coin was all you had. You gave it with pure devotion and joy, holding nothing back. Now, though you bring great wealth, it is but a fraction of your fortune, and your heart is tainted with pride. The true merit of an offering comes not from its size but from the sincerity of the giver’s heart.”

Shakyamuni Buddha taught that for a donation to generate immense benefit, it must possess three essential qualities:

  1. Before Giving – A Joyful Heart
    True generosity begins with happiness. The donor should give not out of duty, pressure, or expectation of reward, but with a heart full of joy, seeing giving as an opportunity to cultivate virtue and compassion.
  2. While Giving – A Clear and Sincere Mind
    The act of giving should be free from hesitation, regret, or pride. A pure offering is made with an open heart, solely for the benefit of others, without seeking recognition or return.
  3. After Giving – A Sense of Fulfillment
    Once the offering is made, the giver should not feel regret or attachment. Instead, they should feel a deep sense of satisfaction, knowing they have planted seeds of merit for the future.

This story serves as a timeless lesson: It is not the amount we give that determines the merit of our offering, but the purity of our heart. A sincere and joyful offering—no matter how small—carries boundless blessings.

So the next time you give, remember: True generosity is not measured in gold or silver, but in the depth of your sincerity.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2025/04/02/the-power-of-a-sincere-heart-how-true-generosity-creates-boundless-merit/

The Profound Wisdom of Generosity

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Generosity is an altruistic intention that brings joy to sentient beings and delight to all Buddhas. It involves considering others and giving up one’s own body, life, and possessions, even extending to the giving of the Dharma. In the very act of giving, one not only eliminates the habitual tendency of stinginess but also helps others overcome their difficulties. At the same time, one attains joy and freedom through a pure, selfless mind.

In Buddhist practice, generosity is the first of the six Pāramitās (perfections) that guide practitioners on the path to enlightenment. The Buddha teaches that acts of giving bring five kinds of merits:

  1. Longevity without misfortune.
  2. A dignified and pleasant appearance.
  3. Abundant energy and strength.
  4. Joy and freedom from worries.
  5. Wisdom and eloquence.

However, the intention behind giving is crucial. The thoughts and mindset of the giver determine the outcomes of their actions. The Buddha provided profound insight into this during a conversation with Venerable Sāriputta.

The Conversation Between the Buddha and Sāriputta

One time, Venerable Sāriputta asked Shakyamuni Buddha for clarification about the practice of generosity:

“Lord, is it possible that one person may give a gift of a certain kind, and it yields little fruit, while another gives the same kind of gift and yet it yields great fruit and benefit?”

The Blessed One replied, “Yes, Sāriputta, it is possible that a person may give a gift of a certain kind, and it does not bear great fruit, while another person gives the same kind of gift and it bears great fruit and benefit.”

“But Lord, what is the cause and reason for this difference? Why does one person’s gift bring small results while another’s yields much greater rewards, even when the gifts are of the same kind?”

The Blessed One explained, “Sāriputta, there are cases where a person gives a gift with a mind seeking personal profit, attached to the reward, hoping to enjoy it in the afterlife. Such a person may offer food, drink, clothing, vehicles, garlands, perfumes, ointments, bedding, shelter, or lamps to a contemplative or a brahmin. What do you think, Sāriputta? Could a person give a gift with such intentions?”

“Yes, Lord,” Sāriputta replied.

The Blessed One continued, “When such a person gives with a mind seeking personal gain, they may be reborn in the realm of the Four Great Kings. But after the results of that action are exhausted, they return to this world.

“However, there is another person who gives a gift not for personal profit, nor with a mind attached to the reward, but with the thought, ‘Giving is good.’ This person offers the same kinds of gifts to a contemplative or a brahmin. What do you think, Sāriputta? Could a person give in this way?”

“Yes, Lord,” Sāriputta affirmed.

“Such a person, on the break-up of the body after death, is reborn among the Devas of the Thirty-three. But once the result of that action has been exhausted, they, too, return to this world.

“Or a person may give with the thought, ‘This has been the custom of my family, handed down from my ancestors. I must uphold this tradition.’ When they pass away, they are reborn among the Devas of the Hours. Again, after the results of that action are exhausted, they return to this world.

“Alternatively, a person may give with the thought, ‘I am well-off, while others are not. It is only right that I share with those who have less.’ They are reborn among the Contented Devas, but eventually, they return to this world as well.

“Another person might give with the thought, ‘Just as the great sages of the past, such as Aṭṭhaka, Vāmaka, and others performed great sacrifices, so too will I distribute my gifts in this way.’ Upon death, they are reborn among the Devas who Delight in Creation, yet eventually return to this world.

“Or one may give a gift with the thought, ‘Giving brings serenity and joy to my mind.’ Such a person is reborn among the Devas Wielding Power over the Creations of Others. Still, after their merit is exhausted, they return.

“Finally, there is the person who gives not for future rewards, not out of custom, and not out of wealth or tradition, but with the thought, ‘This act of giving is an adornment and support for the mind.’ What do you think, Sāriputta? Could a person give in this way?”

“Yes, Lord,” Sāriputta answered.

The Blessed One said, “This person, upon the break-up of the body, is reborn among Brahmā’s Retinue. Having exhausted the results of their action, they do not return to this world but attain the state of non-return.

“This, Sāriputta, is the reason why one person’s gift may not bear great fruit, while another’s gift of the same kind may yield great fruit and benefit.”

The True Essence of Generosity

Generosity is not merely about the act of giving but also about the intention and mindset behind it. When one practices the virtue of giving with constant joy and unwavering determination, one cultivates all virtuous merits, attains pure samadhi, and gains clarity of insight. This clarity allows one to fully comprehend the origin of suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the path to liberation and happiness.

Therefore, one should always strive diligently and practice various virtuous deeds of giving, remembering that the purity of the heart and mind in the act of generosity determines its ultimate value and benefit—both for oneself and for the world.

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2024/12/13/the-profound-wisdom-of-generosity/

The Seven Treasures of True Wealth

linda changLeave a comment

In this world, which sentient being does not desire great wealth? Which of us does not seek blessings and fortune? But what truly defines wealth? Most people measure it by the amount of money they have, the assets they own—be it real estate, cars, or stocks. These tangible things may seem like wealth, but they are easy to lose.

Money and jewels cannot provide lasting security—they can be stolen by thieves.
Reputation and status cannot guarantee stability—enemies can destroy them.
Family and friends are not unshakable—they can change as people’s hearts do.
Illness, aging, and death remind us that the body itself is fragile and impermanent.
Fate and fortune cannot be relied upon—karma follows us, shaping our circumstances.

So, what is the true wealth that we can hold onto in this fleeting lifetime?

Over 2,500 years ago, Shakyamuni Buddha illuminated the path to real wealth—wealth that transcends the material and leads to lasting peace and wisdom. He shared the Seven Treasures of Life, invaluable treasures that guide us to inner fulfillment and enlightenment. These treasures cannot be stored in vaults or spent like gold and jewels. They are the true treasures that nurture the soul.

The Seven Treasures:

  1. The Treasure of Faith
    This is the deep trust a disciple places in the Buddha’s awakening. It is unwavering confidence in the truth of the Buddha’s enlightenment and teachings. Faith is the compass that keeps a person on the path of liberation, a guiding light through life’s trials.
  2. The Treasure of Integrity
    Integrity means living in alignment with one’s highest principles. It manifests as abstaining from harmful actions—whether through speech, thought, or deed. A person with integrity refrains from violence, stealing, falsehood, and indulgence in intoxicants. Integrity is the treasure of a life well-lived with honesty, respect, and compassion for all beings.
  3. The Treasure of Self-Respect
    This treasure is found in the heart of those who uphold their dignity and honor. Self-respect means feeling shame at the thought of misconduct and avoiding actions that degrade one’s character. A person who treasures self-respect lives with a deep sense of morality and avoids causing suffering.
  4. The Treasure of Responsibility
    This treasure reflects an understanding of the consequences of one’s actions. It is a profound sense of accountability for one’s choices, knowing that every action—whether good or bad—impacts oneself and others. Responsibility is driven by a genuine concern for well-being, not out of fear, but from love and care.
  5. The Treasure of Learning
    Learning is the treasure of an eager and inquisitive mind. It is the pursuit of wisdom through listening, reflecting, and studying the teachings. A disciple who treasures learning delves into the Dharma, growing in understanding, and cultivating insight that transforms their perception of life.
  6. The Treasure of Generosity
    This treasure resides in an open and giving heart. It is the joy of sharing wealth, time, and kindness without clinging to material things. A generous person delights in helping others and is always ready to support those in need. Generosity brings happiness both to the giver and the receiver, and it enriches the soul beyond measure.
  7. The Treasure of Wisdom
    Wisdom is the crown jewel of all treasures. It is the deep understanding of life’s impermanence and the realization that clinging to fleeting things leads only to suffering. With wisdom, one sees the world as it truly is, cultivating peace, detachment, and the ability to make decisions that lead to lasting happiness.

True Wealth Beyond Material Possessions

Shakyamuni Buddha shared these seven treasures with his disciples, emphasizing that true wealth is not measured by material abundance but by these inner riches. Whether man or woman, young or old, those who possess these treasures are truly wealthy. Their lives are meaningful, filled with purpose, and unshaken by the ups and downs of worldly fortunes.

So, what can we learn from these timeless teachings?

Cultivate faith and integrity,
Grow in generosity and wisdom,
Walk the path with responsibility and learning,
Always remembering the teachings of the Buddhas,
for they are the guideposts to inner peace, fulfillment, and the truest wealth.

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/09/26/the-seven-treasures-of-true-wealth/

Source: https://wisdomtea.org/2024/09/13/treasure/

A Great Drum

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The Wisdom of Generosity: A Tale of Compassion and Righteousness

Once, the Buddha was residing in the Jetavana Monastery in the kingdom of Śrāvastī, spreading his teachings. At that time, there was a prince of a celestial king named Pilu. One day, he flew down from the heavens to the Jetavana Monastery, prostrated himself at the Buddha’s feet, and, with hands folded in reverence, asked the Buddha: “In this world, people are constantly pursuing clothes, food, treasures, pleasures, official positions, and territories. Are there any treasures that pursue people in return?” The Buddha praised Prince Pilu: “You have asked a good question. Indeed, there are situations where territories, treasures, and pleasures pursue people.”

Prince Pilu asked again, “What does it mean for the causes and conditions that fulfill people’s wishes and bring complete satisfaction to always follow them?”

The Buddha replied, “All actions can be categorized into two types: doing good deeds, which brings blessings, and committing evil deeds, which results in calamities. Whether it is blessings or disasters, they always follow each person like a shadow.”

Prince Pilu said, “This is truly extraordinary! Just as the World-Honored One has taught, in my past life, I was once a king among humans. Because I was aware of the impermanence of life and had no attachment to material things, I wanted to practice generosity widely. One day, during a gathering of my ministers, I announced: ‘I want to make a great drum whose booming sound can spread for a hundred miles. Who can accomplish this task for me?’

However, the ministers all replied, ‘We are incapable of doing so!’ At that moment, a minister named Kuang Shang, who had always been loyal to the court and compassionate towards the people, stepped forward and said to the king, ‘I can accomplish this task, but it will require some funding.’

The king said, ‘Great! Whatever amount you need is not a problem.’ Thus, the treasury was opened, and a large sum of money was handed over to Kuang Shang.

Kuang Shang transported a carriage full of treasures to the gate of the royal palace and beat the drum to announce, “Today, our benevolent king, with great compassion, is distributing wealth to the world to relieve all those in poverty and distress, as well as to provide for the needs of practitioners. Anyone in need can come to the palace gate to receive these goods.”

The news quickly spread to neighboring countries. The poor, carrying their babies and bringing along the elderly and young, came in droves, filling all the roads leading to the city. People would often look up to the sky and exclaim, “Thank you, benevolent king! We, the poor people, finally have the chance to escape the days of hunger and cold!”

A year later, the king asked Kuang Shang, “Is the great drum completed?” The minister replied, “Your Majesty, it is done.” The king asked again, “Since it is finished, why haven’t I heard the drum sound?” Kuang Shang responded, “Please, Your Majesty, take a trip into the city tomorrow, and you will hear the sound of virtue resonating far and wide.”

The next day, the king’s procession entered the city, discovering it was crowded and bustling. The king exclaimed, “Why are there so many people in the city?” Kuang Shang answered, “Last year, Your Majesty ordered me to create a great drum, hoping its mighty sound would spread for miles, proclaiming Your Majesty’s benevolence. I thought that a drum made of dead wood and cowhide would not adequately convey the king’s virtue. After much deliberation, I decided to use the treasures Your Majesty entrusted to me to provide for the practitioners and relieve the poor and distressed. Since the announcement, people from neighboring countries have come, hoping for Your Majesty’s benevolence, like hungry children yearning for their compassionate mother.”

Upon hearing this, the king asked the nearby citizens, “Where have you come from?” The people respectfully bowed and replied, “We came from a hundred miles away.” Some said, “I came from two hundred miles away.” Others said, “I came from thousands of miles away.” Then, they all declared, “Wise and benevolent king! Your widespread generosity has brought joy to the people of the neighboring countries. Many have even moved their entire families here, seeking to live under your benevolent protection and hoping for a stable life henceforth.”

The king was very pleased and said, “Kuang Shang, you have done an excellent job! Previously, I was attached to fame, hoping that the great drum’s mighty sound would resonate far and wide. Now, I finally understand that the unrest in the country comes from the people’s unease. Just as a sick body needs medicine to be healed, I should provide remedies to address the people’s suffering. You, my minister, understood the hardships of the people and distributed food to help the poor and needy, allowing the people to live in peace and return their loyalty to me.” Thus, the king declared, “From now on, as long as it concerns the people’s needs, take care of it to the best of your ability without needing to consult me!”

After the king’s natural death, he was reborn in heaven as King Miao. After his life in heaven ended, he was reborn as a Cakravartin (Wheel-Turning) King on earth, always accompanied by seven treasures and surrounded by followers who protected him. Now, he has again been reborn in heaven as a prince of the heavenly king. All of this was because he strictly upheld pure precepts and compassionately aided all living beings, earning such blessings. If we follow the Buddha’s teachings and rectify our body, speech, and mind, we can all obtain such magnificent blessings.

The Buddha encouraged Prince Bilu, saying, “A person’s actions are like a shadow following the body, or an echo responding to a sound. For every cause, there is an effect, and retribution is certain!” Prince Bilu, after hearing the Buddha’s teaching, joyfully made obeisance and departed.

A Great Drum

Link:https://peacelilysite.com/2024/05/23/a-great-drum/

Source: https://www.ctworld.org.tw/sutra_stories/story801-1000/story862.htm,

THE SILENT BUDDHA [GENEROSITY]

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Photo by Ratri Test on Pexels.com

THE SILENT BUDDHA [GENEROSITY]

Once upon a time, there was a very rich man living in Benares, in northern India. When his father died, he inherited even more wealth. He thought, “Why should I use this treasure for myself alone? Let my fellow beings also benefit from these riches.”

So he built dining halls at the four gates of the city — North, East, South and West. In these halls he gave food freely to all who wished it. He became famous for his generosity. It also became known that he and his followers were practicers of the Five Training Steps.

In those days, there was a Silent Buddha meditating in the forest near Benares. He was called Buddha because he was enlightened. This means that he no longer experienced himself, the one called ‘I’ or ‘me’, as being in any way different from all life living itself. So he was able to experience life as it really is, in every present moment.

Being one with all life, he was filled with compassion and sympathy for the unhappiness of all beings. So he wished to teach and help them to be enlightened just as he was. But the time of our story was a most unfortunate time, a very sad time. It was a time when no one else was able to understand the Truth, and experience life as it really is. And since this Buddha knew this, that was why he was Silent.

While meditating in the forest, the Silent Buddha entered into a very high mental state. His concentration was so great that he remained in one position for seven days and nights, without eating or drinking.

When he returned to the ordinary state, he was in danger of dying from starvation. At the usual time of day, he went to collect alms food at the mansion of the rich man of Benares.

When the rich man had just sat down to have lunch, he saw the Silent Buddha coming with his alms bowl. He rose from his seat respectfully. He told his servant to go and give alms to him.

Meanwhile, Mara, the god of death, had been watching. Mara is the one who is filled with greed for power over all beings. He can only have this power because of the fear of death.

Since a Buddha lives life fully in each moment, he has no desire for future life, and no fear of future death. Therefore, since Mara could have no power over the Silent Buddha, he wished to destroy him. When he saw that he was near death from starvation, he knew that he had a good chance of succeeding.

Before the servant could place the food in the Silent Buddha’s alms bowl, Mara caused a deep pit of red hot burning coals to appear between them. It seemed like the entrance to a hell world.

When he saw this, the servant was frightened to death. He ran back to his master. The rich man asked him why he returned without giving the alms food. He replied, “My lord, there is a deep pit full of red hot burning coals just in front of the Silent Buddha.”

The rich man thought, “This man must be seeing things!” So he sent another servant with alms food. He also was frightened by the same pit of fiery coals. Several servants were sent, but all returned frightened to death.

Then the master thought, “There is no doubt that Mara, the god of death, must be trying to prevent my wholesome deed of giving alms food to the Silent Buddha. Because wholesome deeds are the beginning of the path to enlightenment, this Mara wishes to stop me at all costs. But he does not understand my confidence in the Silent Buddha and my determination to give.”

So he himself took the alms food to the Silent Buddha. He too saw the flames rising from the fiery pit. Then he looked up and saw the terrible god of death, floating above in the sky. He asked, “Who are you.?” Mara replied, I am the god of death!”

“Did you create this pit of fire?” asked the man. “I did,” said the god. “Why did you do so?” “To keep you from giving alms food, and in this way to cause the Silent Buddha to die! Also to prevent your wholesome deed from helping you on the path to enlightenment, so you will remain in my power!”

The rich man of Benares said, “Oh Mara, god of death, the evil one, you cannot kill the Silent Buddha, and you cannot prevent my wholesome giving! Let us see whose determination is stronger!”

Then he looked across the raging pit of fire, and said to the calm and gentle Enlightened One, “Oh Silent Buddha, let the light of Truth continue to shine as an example to us. Accept this gift of life!”

So saying, he forgot himself entirely, and in that moment there was no fear of death. As he stepped into the burning pit, he felt himself being lifted up by a beautiful cool lotus blossom. The pollen from this miraculous flower spread into the air, and covered him with the glowing colour of gold. While standing in the heart of the lotus, the Great Being poured the alms food into the bowl of the Silent Buddha. Mara, god of death, was defeated!

In appreciation for this wonderful gift, the Silent Buddha raised his hand in blessing. The rich man bowed in homage, joining his hands above his head. Then the Silent Buddha departed from Benares, and went to the Himalayan forests.



Still standing on the wonderful lotus, glowing with the color of gold, the generous master taught his followers. He told them that practising the Five Training Steps is necessary to purify the mind. He told them that with such a pure mind, there is great merit in giving alms — indeed it is truly the gift of life!

When he had finished teaching, the fiery pit and the lovely cool lotus completely disappeared.

The moral is: Have no fear when doing wholesome deeds.

The Silent Buddha [Generosity]

Link: https://peacelilysite.com/2022/10/22/the-silent-buddha-generosity/

INTERPRETER’S INTRODUCTION – BUDDHIST TALES FOR YOUNG AND OLD, VOLUME 1, STORIES 1-50

#Buddhisttalesforyoungandold #Buddhiststories #storiesforkids #moralstories #Buddha #Jatakastories #PansiyaPanasJataka