The Paradox of Giving

In a lot of teachings on manifestation of desires, we are being told to affirm our goals, hold a vivid imagery and embrace them with supportive emotions.  It is easy to grab such concepts when it comes to personal wishes.  Abundance or prosperity is definitely one of the top items on most people's wish list.  But many have neglected the close link between being prosperous and the act of giving. When we are giving, there is already an implicit assumption that one already has the means and capacity to give.  Thus the energy of abundance is already predominant when we are habitually doing it so that eventually the grace of giving naturally resides in us.  We do not have to wait until we have accumulated a certain level of wealth before we can give.  That said, it is not to say that we have to give everything away and become short of resources.  It is more the spirit of cultivating the kindness of giving but without the desire to be reciprocated.  But paradoxically, by letting go of such expectations, the universe bestows upon any generous person the freedom and joy of abundance.

Letting Go of I

Am I my body?
But I can see my body
What can be seen cannot be the seer
So I cannot be my body

Am I my feelings?
But I can feel my emotions
What can be felt cannot be the feeler
So I cannot be my feelings

Am I my mind?
But I can notice my thoughts
What can be known cannot be the knower
So I cannot be my mind

Am I a subject or an object?
Am I neither a subject nor an object?
Am I not neither a subject nor an object?
So who am I?

Merit vs Virtue

In our effort to transcend and become more evolved souls, we need to cultivate both merit and virtue. Merit includes all acts and deeds that can help sentient beings and is derived from our compassion and benevolence for others.  As all minds are joined, in so doing we are also offering help to ourselves and turning that love and kindness inwards.  In other words, we are the giver and receiver simultaneously.  That is the reason why those who have committed to the "right" deeds are often the bearer of "good" karmic fruits, except that frequently we have zoomed in too closely on our current lives and fail to look beyond in a temporal sense.

People pay tribute to meritorious conduct, something that can often be displayed and deserves praises and rewards.  After all who does not want to be acknowledged and appreciated?  But this is at best part of the equation.  The righteous path to realisation has a long incubation process and both merit and virtue are necessary.  Merit without virtue may be a wish-fulfilling jewel that will bring you satisfaction to your mundane desires and bless you with health and wealth, but it will never truly alleviate your suffering.  Virtue requires courage and curiosity from which will lead us to introspection.  It is the deep reflection that probes you to look beyond mere appearances and see the reality of our existence -- to gain the insight into our divine nature.  It is the will and determination to change our belief system that has led us to encumbrance and affliction.  Life will still have its predicaments, of course, but the awakening to reality will help you to orient and be peaceful along the process.