Charity & Volunteering 04 (May 23 - Dec 25)

[winston]

Practicing Generosity

When we achieve a mind of gratitude and dedicate ourselves to helping others, we can practice generosity.

We can be generous with our wealth, with ourselves and with the dharma.

- Sheng Yen, “Rich Generosity”

[winston]

What is the attitude with which we must take up service?

Why have you come such long distances, braving all the expenses and troubles of the journey?

To be in his presence and to win his Grace, isn’t it?

Why then do you seek other contacts and others’ favour once you have reached this place? Why fall into grooves that deny you his presence and grace?

Forget all else, and stick to the orders that he gave; He wants only to initiate you into the spiritual path of seva and love.

Do not be ashamed that you have been asked to watch a heap of sandals, or carry water to the thirsty, or stand at the gate.

The privilege and pleasure, consist in the use to which you put your skill and time for helping others.

Serving anyone is serving Him for He's in all. The relief and joy that you give to the sick and the sad reach Him, for He is in their hearts, and He's the One they call out for.

He has no need of your service; does He suffer from pain in the legs, or ache in the stomach?

Try to serve the holy; be a dasanudasa — servant of the servants of the Divine. The service of man is the only means by which you can serve Him.

- Divine Discourse, Mar 04, 1970

When you tend the limb, you tend the individual. When you serve man, you serve the Divine.

Source: radiosai.org

[winston]

You Are Needed

Wherever you see fit to serve, your wise and embodied offerings, are needed.

- Ruth King, “Awakening Together”