The world of Tzu Chi May 2021 (Vol.134)

* Extracted from the book “Infinite Teachings, Infinite Meanings”. What is true giving? When we donate money, it should be for the sake of doing a good deed. One does not necessarily have to contribute a lot for it to be considered charity; it should be done according to one’s capability. To give things away without feeling distressed or afflicted is true charitable giving. We need to give with equanimity. Giving is not just about donating tangible goods; we must also let go of our mind’s afflictions. After performing acts of charity, people sometimes have afflictions. One kind of affliction comes from not being able to truly let go, in which they keep worrying about whether they gave too much. Another is due to the fear that others will not recognize the good deed that they have done; they do it because they want praise. Neither of these constitutes true giving. If, after performing charity, we let afflictions accumulate in our minds, then the act of giving is not pure. After giving charitably, we must also let go of our afflictions. Only when we feel peaceful and at ease are we exhibiting true giving. What is true and proper giving? In order to perform true and proper giving, one must fully grasp the meanings behind “true” and “proper”. “True” is when our hearts are true and sincere, and “proper” refers to “Right Mindfulness”. Everything in our lives is impermanent and illusory, but this is hard for us ordinary people to realize. In all matters, we become attached to the idea of “I” and are only willing to give of ourselves for the sake of “my safety, my career, my family and my friends”. True giving is unconditional, without any consideration of “my” gains and losses. “Proper” means not having deviant or evil thoughts. As we give of ourselves, we must also give up our inner afflictions. If we keep thinking, “I am giving to you; how come you are not repaying me?” then we are only creating mental burdens for ourselves. TZU CHI 134 57