As all the world around us in the valley buds and flowers, we see before our very eyes a delightful manifestation of pure dana, generosity. With nothing withheld and nothing to gain but sunshine, rainwater, air and the full unfolding function of beauty, the tulips open.
The natural world withholds nothing, makes use of everything, and shows us the purity that lies behind the practice of dana. We, too, are creatures of the natural world and through the practice of dana, we express the purity of heart that freely offers. Free of stinginess and free of fear, free of self, we share the family treasure. When we practice dana we are part of the endless flow of interdependent benefit.
Whether we offer a kind word, deep listening, a humorous take on a serious matter, financial support, speaking truth to power, a song, a helping hand, or simply encouragement we are realizing the natural cycle of giver, receiver and gift. Practicing with dana as a koan we become sensitive to giving and receiving and awaken to all the ways that generosity manifests in our ordinary lives.
