एक सुबह, बुद्ध और उनके शिष्य एक भिक्षा मांगने निकल गए। उन्होंने घोषणा की कि उस दिन उन्हें मिलने वाला सारा चढ़ावा गरीबों को दिया जाएगा।
सभी लोगों ने लाल फूलों से लदे हुए साल के पेड़ के नीचे बैठकर इंतजार किया। जल्द ही आसपास के क्षेत्र के सभी महत्वपूर्ण गणमान्य व्यक्ति चढ़ावा देने के लिए आ गए।
सबसे पहले राजा बिम्बिसार पहुंचे थे। उन्होंने सोने के सिक्कों, सोने के लालटेन, और हार के साथ कीमती रत्नों से जगमगाते हुए आकर्षक उपहार दिए। बुद्ध ने एक हाथ से ये चढ़ावा स्वीकार किया।
उनके बाद आये राजकुमार अजातशत्रु। उन्होंने जटिल नक्काशी वाली वस्तुएं, जी ललचाने वाले खाद्य पदार्थों, और सुगंधित गोशीर्ष-चंदन की अगरबत्तियों का प्रसाद चढ़ाया। इन प्रसादों को भी बुद्ध ने एक हाथ से स्वीकार किया।
इसके बाद कुछ छोटे राजाओं, ब्राह्मणों, बुजुर्गों और आम लोगों से चढ़ावा लिया गया। बुद्ध ने एक हाथ से उनके सभी चढ़ावे स्वीकार किए।
दिन ढ़लने के करीब, बुद्ध के सामने एक बूढ़ी औरत आयी। उसने आदरपूर्वक प्रणाम किया और कहा, "हे लोकनाथ, जब तक मैंने सुना कि आप चढ़ावा स्वीकार कर रहे हैं, उससे पहले ही मैंने इस अनार को आधा खा लिया था। मैं सिर्फ एक गरीब बूढ़ी औरत हूँ। मेरे पास आपको देने के लिए जो वस्तु है वह यह आधा अनार है। मुझे आशा है कि आप इसे स्वीकार करेंगे।"
जो लोग इकट्ठे थे, वे बुढ़िया की छोटी सी भेंट देखकर शर्मिंदगी से भर गए। लेकिन बुद्ध ने अपने दोनों हाथों को आगे बढ़ाया और कृतज्ञतापूर्वक आधा अनार ग्रहण किया।
जब बूढ़ी औरत चली गई, तो बुद्ध के शिष्य अनिरुद्ध ने पूछा, "आपने दोनों हाथों से बूढ़ी औरत के चढ़ावे को क्यों स्वीकार किया, जबकि बाकी सभी केवल एक हाथ से?"
बुद्ध ने जवाब दिया, "इस महिला ने बिना किसी इनाम की उम्मीद के वह सब दिया जो उसके पास था। इस तरह के प्रचुर चढ़ावे को स्वीकार करने के लिए मुझे दोनों हाथों की जरूरत थी।"
मनन के लिए मूल प्रश्न: आप बूढ़ी महिला के प्रचुर चढ़ावे से कैसे सम्बद्ध हैं? क्या आप किसी ऐसे समय की व्यक्तिगत कहानी साझा कर सकते हैं, जब आपने या तो इतनी प्रचुरता प्राप्त की है या आप स्वयं की प्रचुरता का उपयोग कर पाए हैं? आपको अपनी सबसे गहरी प्रचुरता का लाभ उठाने में क्या मदद करता है?
Brian Conroy is a story-teller. Excerpt above from his book, Stepping Stones.
Seed Questions for Reflection
How do you relate to the abundant offering of the old woman? Can you share a personal story of a time you either received such abundance or were able to tap into it yourself? What helps you tap into your deepest abundance?
I certainly relate to the abundant offering of the old woman. A person giving 100% of what he or she has (showing much greater love and dedication towards giving) is definitely giving more than a person giving 5% or 10% or 50% of what he or she has got.
One story I remember of what one of my close friends told me years ago – when he was a kid and has a younger brother – but not much younger. His parents got two T-shirts one golden colour and one green. Both kids liked golden and would prefer to get that. My friend elder of those two told their parents – I like or I love green and so I will take green. The younger one got what he wanted Golden coloured T-shirt. The elder brother not only gave younger brother what he wanted but gave in such a way that did not make anyone from his brother and parents feel bad. I always remember this story of true giving – in abundance in full.
AR
Anne Russell
Sep 26, 2023
A few years ago I was giving an immigrant family rides to church on Sundays and to other places a few times. Knowing the difficulties that they had been through, I was blessed to receive in invitation to share a meal with them of their country's food that the mother cooked.
TB
Trez Buckland
Sep 25, 2023
This story is just like the one from the New Testament when the poor woman gives her one coin - it is all she has. Both women are giving without thought of themselves. It is also like the story of the rich man and the difficulty of entering heaven. It is more difficult for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven that for a camel to go through the eye of a needle. The more we have the harder it is to give up our attachment to it. I can relate to how much easier it was for me as a young college student, when I had so little, to donate all I had available to help others.
CA
Carolyn
Sep 24, 2023
I think the closest I have come to abundant offering as in this story is witnessing children share with others. They are quick to give all they have, as a natural way of being. It is always profound for me.
Seva is a word i have used often focusing on the anonymous nature .. not expecting acknowledgment. Lately i feel its also the need to give completely.. beyond convenient cheque writing or occasional making sandwiches for the homeless. Nice to do but dont cover the kind of giving expressed in both this passage and the bible.
MA
Marjorie
Sep 24, 2023
This story remind me of the parable of the widow’s offering. Seeing the offerings as possessions instead of coins help me glean new meaning from it. When the items are listed, I notice which ones I have interest in and realize that while the most precious or valuable items would not likely be of great interest to me, intricate carvings draw my attention a lot more than a half eaten fruit. It makes me consider how each of us has our own system for assigning value to possessions that may not have anything to do with monetary value. Perhaps I need to reevaluate my “valuing” system to consider more heavily the source of the item and the intentions of the giver.
'Half a pomegranate': Life offers us in abundance, yet we are so ungrateful, we desire more and more. We wish more than what we deserve. To me the learning is to graciously accept what comes to you with both hands. Do not crave for more."We get what we deserve, not what we desire"
SO
Sonia
Sep 23, 2023
An abundant offering of all she had without care towards a reward. Very profound meaning.
MA
Mati
Sep 23, 2023
One time I betrayed the trust of a close friend. Instead of getting angry with me or recoiling from my friendship he contemplated what I’d done, understood what was happening inside me with incredible compassion and insight, and then surprised me by extending an even deeper level of trust in our friendship. In that one moment he changed me forever with the generosity of his love and his huge heart. I will never forget it.
MA
margaret
Sep 23, 2023
Lovely, this story of deep-seated generosity. Many traditions have stories like this one, and it is inspiring to read yet another one. Wholehearted giving is the ultimate goal and one that requires daily practice.
EL
elizabeth
Sep 23, 2023
At this moment, i am feeling deeply embarrassed by my lack of offerings and even how minimal had been my reflection on how we are one that is present in the offerings today. thank you.
SP
Surya Prakash
Sep 22, 2023
We treated an emergency case that needed immediate Surgical intervention and we rushed to nearby hospital that was 90 Km from our rural clinic.
Surgery and recovery happened and we continued our routines...
After 6 to 8 months the one who recovered had come down to our rural clinic, while we were winding up the day she offered me something in a paper cover didn't know what it contained...she said it is red gram and she wanted us to cook and eat when we return...you should see the tears filled with love, she said she grew them in her half an acre of land and we did cook and eat.
ML
Mary Lynne Lightowler
Sep 22, 2023
I love that she was willing to give all for all the Buddha represented. To make that offering she certainly had that inner spark, that presence of being to think: "Perhaps this will do." Blessings.
The abundant offering of the pld woman tugged at my heart strings. The giving denied her the other half of the pomegranate, and possibly the feeling of hunger, sacrifice. Awareness, being present helps me tap into my deepest abundance, being grateful for what I have to share.
Sep 29, 2022
The half pomegranate story spoke to me. It reminded me of the bible story where the woman gave two coins and her offering was acknowledged as the greater gift. I work with a homeless population, impoverished, addiction and challenged with mental health issues. My youngest son has schizophrenia were it not for my ability to supplement his meagre disability pension and the continuing connection of family and friends, he would be amongst this homeless population. I have no trouble seeing my friends of the street as my brothers, sisters, children. Their generosity at times astounds me even if it is in the sharing of
Half a cigarette.
Sep 25, 2022
Wow!! What a touching and important story--- So true--- her offering came from the heart and that made it a real gift!--- Whenever I make a donation--- in order to feel that it is enough--- it has to "hurt" my pockets a bit---
JU
Jura
Sep 24, 2022
The Gospel story of the widow who gave a mite for the poor is another version of the pomegranate story. A person in great need gives all that she has to someone in greater need. I enjoy making monetary gifts to good causes yet I never have given all that I have. How much is enough giving? When there are such huge disparities in the world I am motivated to increase my giving without counting the personal cost.
Sep 24, 2022
When I was in Nicaragua, I was invited to the house of one of my students. Amidst the scarcity of the dwelling, there was a beautiful flower. When I left, I could not believe it, they offer me the only beauty they had, or so I thought. I received with both hands as I realized the immense loving kindness of this gesture. The feeling of gratefulness still lives in my heart every time I remember it.
I know the pod is finished but Im still getting through it slowly. I don't have an abundance of energy, but I am learning to move at a different pace. Now, so many people seem to be rushing compared to my pace. I am surrounded by abundance - of people who I love, plants that revive me, birds, kindness, beauty,.. I see it everywhere- it is all around me.
I see poverty on people's faces - poverty of joy in some, physical poverty for others. i love to find a way to bring some joy, laughter and smilesto people. I wish I had pomegranitesor even half, but I have more than I need. I think it might be easier to give what measly thing one has left than all one's wealth though.
LC
Lorraine Carribean
Oct 21, 2021
I have received an overly abundant offering which in turn gave me renewal of peace and contentment totravel and unburden me of my day to day budens.
JE
Jerry
Oct 21, 2021
Sometimes I feel like I could never give enough. I meet many people of riches who give crumbs. I meet others who give sacrificially they can feel the pinch and I like to round up whatever beyond my comfort zone
HP
Heather Podrow
Oct 20, 2021
The story of the old woman touched my heart. I am an old woman myself now. I have to be moving out of my current dwelling because the building is to be sold. I have lived in the building for 35 years. I will be giving most of my furniture and possessions away. I no longer need them at my age and I was taught by my mother to think of others. Just thinking of how I can help others taps me into my deepest abundance. I certainly cannot take these possessions with me when I die.
I was antique shopping in Marrakesh, negotiating the price for several objects. While the shopkeeper was wrapping the items I purchased, I playfully told him I would not have dinner since I spent so much money in his store. Over the noise of the wrapping paper, he responded that his wife was an excellent cook, and invited us over for dinner. This was unexpected, heartfelt and createdmuch joy in me.
At dinner that night, I shared the experience with those at the table; many were moved by his generosity whichI now noted was an abundant offering.
KM
Kadab Mukesh
Oct 18, 2021
I think
a) how much you give
b) what part of stuff that you own you choose to give
...both these do not matter as much as the spirit with which you give.
Receiving in abundance happens all the time. The most precious thing that all of us possess is time. The extent to which the volunteers of this group have shared their time and experience in abundance is a simple example.
When I read this story of the half pomegranate it made my heart twist with deep love. 💔 the old woman represented much of what mainstream society hasn't time for, she is old and poor. She seems also out of the mainstream in that she didn't hear about the chance to give an offering till later when she had eaten half her pomegranate. Yet she came risking being late, with an urgency to give the only thing she had to give, what was left of her pomegranate. The Buddha recognized the enormity of her offering to him, hence receiving with both hands rather than one. The others before her had wealth and their offerings great but not everything, there was much more they left behind. This being symbolic of only giving part of their heart when the old woman gave with her whole heart.
GS
greg smith
Oct 17, 2021
The spirit of her generosity moves me. I like to be able to channel such pure-hearted spirit, and at times approximate it - but even in this moment, I can feel how I cling to "what is mine!" and don't want to give ti all away. I'm kind of a half-assed Bodhisattva
I once offered a gift of immeasurable value to me, and it also asked of me to break a law in accepting it. I did take the gift, broke a law, and through the nature of goodness, was able to resolve the issue before it came to pass, somewhat magically I will say, and all turned out well for everyone involved. Jesus might have said it this way, "laws were made for man, not man for laws".
Wonderful story in the art of giving. As I read this, Gift becomes an acronym that is "Generosity intensifying fraternity togetherness"
Gift being an act of inclusiveness. That my offerings also matter, to make one feel belonged. As much as gifting is a great gesture, receiving is even bigger. I used to feel obliged to receive anything from anyone. I could give generously, but to receive was hard. It meant to seem like in lack or greedy or that you had to pay back in return, something In those terms. To accept with freedom requires a big heart as much as giving does.
My daughter seems to have in her DNA a natural sense of abundance and a lovely non-attachment to things. She has always given away money to anyone who needs it though she doesn't have much herself; she won't buy new things until she has given away what she already has; When I offer to give her household items because we are downsizing, she most often just says she doesn't need anything. This is effortless for her, just who she is. This is not how I am by nature; I learn from her.
LB
Laura BrownOct 17, 2021
I need to learn from her, too. I have a son who is the same way. I, on the other hand, have trouble giving away things that hold sentimental value for me. I feel like if I just got over the hump by giving away one thing that I truly treasure, that it would open me up to giving away anything.
BM
Bernie Moloney
Jul 6, 2021
Many years ago, on my way to work in the city, as I exited the train station, a disheveled-looking guy approached me with outstretched hand. 'Spare any change?' he asked. I pulled out a $2 coin and placed it among the others in his palm. I saw him do a quick calculation, then he looked up with such a beam of smile, it stays with me still. He now had enough money for the cup of tea or coffee he yearned.
What helps me tap into my deepest abundance is giving spontaneously, without thought of self or expecting any return. True joy.
I just wanted to add another perspective to this story. This is from Vedanta. It says, no one gives away anything for anyone. The person who gives, is giving because he/she/they feel happy after the giving.
So, when the lady gave half of the pomegranate, she did it because she wanted to accumulate the good Karma, so she might have a better re-birth.
So, no giving is selfless ðŸ™ðŸ½
What I learn from this is that...it is not what you offer others that matters...but the love accompanying the gift is the major issue...giving from your heart not from your head... is the essence...and that's what the disheveled lady did... offered her all from her heart...the rest offered lavish gifts but it wasn't their all...not even 1% of their all...I suppose.
I think whatever we receivefrom the Mother Nature is always in abundance. For example, right now when I go for my nature walks, I feel so much gratitude while looking at the beauty around me! So many different colors of fall! Such clear and beautiful skies! I see birds and squirrels justfinding enough to eat so they could survive! As I heard from Mooji, "Life takes care of life"! I see it so clearly around me every single day!
Nothing can be more rewarding then just admiring the beauty as life unfolds every single morning!
I am reminded of a similar anecdote from one of the greatest epics of HINDUISM Religion titled RAMAYANA eons ago. A poor old woman Spiritual Seeker named SHABARI/SABARI, who was living in a forest of SOUTH INDIA and who was eagerly awaiting the arrival of none other than LORD/GOD RAMA himself to have His Darshan(seeking Divine Blessing to attain her Salvation/Liberation) for months together, used to collect a few Indian Berries from the forest every day, taste them for their sweetness, discard the sour ones and collect the sweet ones so as to offer them to the God Rama. God intoxicated Shabari was so innocent and ignorant in that one ought to not offer tasted gifts to others. Finally Lord Rama came to the place where Shabari was living in the forest and was welcomed with offerings by not only Shabari but also a few other Monks living in the nearby Ashrams practicing Spirituality. Of all the offerings made, Lord Rama chose to partake the Indian Berries offered with great Love by Shabari... View full comment
I am reminded of a similar anecdote from one of the greatest epics of HINDUISM Religion titled RAMAYANA eons ago. A poor old woman Spiritual Seeker named SHABARI/SABARI, who was living in a forest of SOUTH INDIA and who was eagerly awaiting the arrival of none other than LORD/GOD RAMA himself to have His Darshan(seeking Divine Blessing to attain her Salvation/Liberation) for months together, used to collect a few Indian Berries from the forest every day, taste them for their sweetness, discard the sour ones and collect the sweet ones so as to offer them to the God Rama. God intoxicated Shabari was so innocent and ignorant in that one ought to not offer tasted gifts to others. Finally Lord Rama came to the place where Shabari was living in the forest and was welcomed with offerings by not only Shabari but also a few other Monks living in the nearby Ashrams practicing Spirituality. Of all the offerings made, Lord Rama chose to partake the Indian Berries offered with great Love by Shabari knowing fully well that they were not fresh but tasted already by Shabari and went on to describe them as being very Sweet brushing aside the objections made by His brother Lakshmana amongst other people there. Hence, the principle established is that God willingly accepts any offering made with genuine Love for Him irrespective of its value and the status of the person making the offering. Hide full comment
The abundant offering of the old woman was her giving all she had without expecting reward. I've never given all I have (actually the old woman gave very much but didn't give all she had). I see giving without expecting reward as the purest giving in that it is giving free and clear, not expecting anything in return, with no agenda, no manipulation, no expectation, no goal or purpose to be gained. When I have given without expecting any reward I feel most gratified. What helps me tap into my deepest abundance is reflection on what I have, awareness that I have a lot though really it's a gift and not mine, gratitude, openness of heart, and compassion.
Though royalty preceded her, only the old woman gave like a true queen. The irony is that it often takes the utter humility of poverty to internalize the truth that whatever we have is a gift of the universe. Those of us with more wealth are often drunk on the wine of our egos which bubble tales of our own talent, smarts, and grit. When you're hungry and cold, you soberly taste the divine with gratitude in every bite. May we give like kings and queens, so we never become beggars with riches.
Such simple and easy to understand stories teacha profound spiritual lesson. When we offer a gift from our heart without expectingany rewardit becomes an abundant offering.When a poor old woman heard thatthe Buddha was accepting offerings she had already eaten half of the pomegranate.The only thing she had to offer was the other half of thatpomegranate. It was a meager offering but it had the deepest abundance. It is indeed a gift from the heart and that way it was priceless.
Serving others with no axe to grind. This is the heart of the Karma Yoga narrated in the Bhagavad Gita. This is my understanding of spiritualty. It lifts us from a lower self to a higher self. I practice Karma Yoga in my life by sharing what I have with others mostly in the form of teaching without expecting any reward in return. This way of living feels my heart with deep joy, contentment, and fulfillment.
Reading such storiesfrom different wisdom traditions, contemplating on them, and sharing them withothers h... View full comment
Such simple and easy to understand stories teacha profound spiritual lesson. When we offer a gift from our heart without expectingany rewardit becomes an abundant offering.When a poor old woman heard thatthe Buddha was accepting offerings she had already eaten half of the pomegranate.The only thing she had to offer was the other half of thatpomegranate. It was a meager offering but it had the deepest abundance. It is indeed a gift from the heart and that way it was priceless.
Serving others with no axe to grind. This is the heart of the Karma Yoga narrated in the Bhagavad Gita. This is my understanding of spiritualty. It lifts us from a lower self to a higher self. I practice Karma Yoga in my life by sharing what I have with others mostly in the form of teaching without expecting any reward in return. This way of living feels my heart with deep joy, contentment, and fulfillment.
Reading such storiesfrom different wisdom traditions, contemplating on them, and sharing them withothers has been very helpful to me in my spiritual journey. Daily practice of mindfulness meditation and cultivating skills of compassionate living help me stay on my path. It's by giving we receive!
Namaste!
JagdishP Dave' Hide full comment
VE
VenkhatNov 17, 2020
I am one who has been recipient of such a bounty by the people who brought me up. No relative of mine. They gave all that they possessed much against the advice of all his relatives, a very small piece of land and all that they had and were in their late seventies.They were warned that they might land up on the streets. Mr Prakash Rao told them," I came into this world depending on the Almighty only" Unconditional love and giving. Whatever, however big I gave after that simply paled into insignificance. This brings tears unto me each time I are left on that ACT.
