Generosity Helps Us Accept Change

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Hand-drawn art by Rupali Bhuva
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La generosidad nos ayuda a aceptar el cambio
--por Sharon Salzberg
El objetivo de practicar la generosidad es doble, o si no es una experiencia incompleta.
El primer objetivo es liberar nuestras mentes de las fuerzas condicionadas que nos atan y limitan. Las ansias, aferrarse y los apegos traen confinamiento y falta de autoestima. Si siempre estamos buscando alguna persona o cosa para completarnos, extrañamos el grado en que estamos completos en cada momento. Es un poco como apoyarse en un espejismo para descubrir que no nos puede sostener; no hay nada allí
Cuando nos movemos continuamente buscando la siguiente experiencia y el próximo placer, es como pasar de un espejismo a otro. No tenemos seguridad. Nada nos sostiene. Practicamos la generosidad para liberar a la mente de ese engaño, para debilitar las fuerzas del deseo y el apego para que podamos encontrar la felicidad esencial.
También practicamos la generosidad para liberar a otros, para extender el bienestar y la felicidad a todos los seres, de alguna manera, tanto como cada un@ de nosotr@s puede, disminuir el sufrimiento en este mundo. Cuando nuestra práctica de generosidad es genuina, cuando está completa, nos damos cuenta del espacio interior y la paz, y también aprendemos a extender el cuidado ilimitado a todos los seres vivos.
El movimiento del corazón al practicar la generosidad refleja el movimiento del corazón que permite entrar. Así que el entrenamiento externo de dar influye profundamente en el tono de sentimiento interno de la práctica de meditación, y viceversa. Si cultivamos un corazón generoso, entonces cada vez más podemos permitir incondicionalmente que las cosas sean como son. Podemos aceptar la verdad del momento presente, en lugar de imponer condiciones en forma continua a lo que está sucediendo: debe ser de esta forma o de la otra o no puedo ser feliz.
Tu sesión de meditación debe ser perfecta o no serás feliz. No debes tener inquietud o no te sentirás bien contigo mismo. La realidad se mueve fuera de nuestro control y, sin embargo, le imponemos todas estas condiciones. La generosidad permite que todo el proyecto comience a desaparecer.
La fuerza de nuestra generosidad es un factor primordial en nuestra capacidad para aceptar el cambio.
Preguntas semilla para la reflexión: ¿Cómo te relacionas con la noción de que la fuerza de nuestra generosidad es un factor primordial en nuestra capacidad para aceptar el cambio? ¿Puedes compartir una historia personal de un momento en el que pudieras ver el movimiento de tu corazón al practicar la generosidad, reflejando el movimiento de tu corazón que deja entrar? ¿Qué te ayuda a cultivar un corazón generoso?


Sharon Salzberg es profesora de meditación desde hace mucho tiempo
Seed Questions for Reflection

How do you relate to the notion that the strength of our generosity is a primary factor in our ability to accept change? Can you share a personal story of a time when you could see the movement of your heart in practicing generosity mirroring the movement of your heart letting go inside? What helps you cultivate a generous heart?

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Add Your Reflection

6 Past Reflections
JO
Feb 1, 2019
Q: How do you relate to the notion that
the strength of our generosity is
a primary factor in our ability
to accept change?
A: I see change happening after
awareness of any particular issue or need is noted,
and the heart is engaged in the choice.
When the heart is free of any domestication,
free of anyone else's expectation,
and when we feel free to do as we want.
My generosity happens when
the mind is set free and
the heart can engage without restriction.

Q: Can you share a personal story of a time
when you could see
the movement of your heart
in practicing generosity
mirroring the movement of your heart
letting go inside?
A: No; I'm not sure I understand the question.

Q: What helps you cultivate a generous heart?
To practice awareness.


BA
Jan 29, 2019
I realized one day I was very upset with my older sister because I was wanting her to act a certain way.....to replace my mother who had passed away. I wanted her to love me as my mother had done. But she wasn't my mother and wasn't acting according to what I thought I needed. One day I realized I needed to give her something rather than get something from her . I needed to see and appreciate her for who she really is so I sent her a card in which I wrote down many of her gifts to the world....which didn't exactly include me directly but for which she should be acknowledged and valued. I cried when I wrote it...perhaps letting go of the illusion and attachments that I had and I sent the letter. She told me she cried too when she received it. It took a generosity of heart on my part to let go of the delusion and my own suffering around it. It brought peace to me when it was meant as a gift to her. It was a huge shift for me and it opened the "heart waves" between u... View full comment
BE
Jan 29, 2019
Generosity is also about letting others be and do what they need to, even if it does not benefit us...
VR
vidya rao
Jan 28, 2019
Kindness, simplicity plays an important role in our life. Treat every human beings like your brothers and sisters.
The more we expect from others, more we become unhappy in life. Less expectation, accepting the truth, detachment in life helps you to reach your goal.
But one should never back off from their responsibilities and duties. Those who are dependent on us should not suffer because of our negligence.
My Guru says, Family is the best play ground teaches you how to tolerate others. Being in day today life, it will teach you every stage of life, dealing with different type of behaviours. 
JP
Jan 27, 2019
True or genuine generosity is unconditional with no expectation in return. It is pure and not contiminated by my agenda such as what am I goung to get by my generous act. In this sense it is free from any bondage. When I do such generous act my heart gets filled with joy, happines.. When I do a generous act to get something in return or impose any conditon or I manupalate the other, it is not genuine and free. Yesterday, my friends came to my house discuss Breakfast with Buddha in our Book Club. Two of my friends waited to chat with me after the meeting. Both of them looked at my library and their faces indicate their desire to have a couple of books from a book sture. I felt their their desire and I joyfully offered the books they liked in my library. Our faces shone with light of joy. It is by giving we receive. Such offering from our heart cultivates our attitude and ability to go with the flow and accept what happens. Namaste! Jagdish Dave... View full comment
DD
Jan 26, 2019
Only true generosity frees the mind Generosity that is goal-directed, such as generosity done in order to complete me or done to make me feel good about myself or done to please the other or get what I want, is not true generosity and is not freeing. Generosigy that is conditional, to use the author's word, such as generosity done to impose or try to control, is not true and is not freeing. Generosity that is freeing is pure and genuine, free of agendas, not outcome bound, not controlling or manipulative. Generosity that is freeing reflects and fosters ability to accept what happens. When my generosity is true, my heart is light, full, and free. True generosity is its own reward and helps me cultivate a generous heart.