Reflections on Generosity

         The Indo-European root of the word generous, gene, means “to give birth” and gives rise to words like germinate, generate, genius, and kin. Generosity is the act that connects in profound ways through the process of giving and receiving. 

     Buddhism stresses the practice of giving and the virtue of generosity. This is dana, which is one of the “ten perfections.” The simple rice bowl becomes the monk’s begging bowl, a symbol of a vow of poverty.

A Winter Meditation

     The day is short and cold, and the sun is falling slowly behind the hills. There is just enough snow to be respectable without really having to go out and shovel. The windowpane, half-frosted, frames the winter landscape. The barren, stark branches of trees pattern the sunlight as it passes through them. A fire in the fireplace would be a good idea, but sitting here waiting and watching seems to be enough.

Another New Year

     We are at the edge of two realities as this year is ending, and the next year beckons. There is a paradox about the two edges of time, old year and New Year. On the one hand, we have been here before, for each year of our life. On the other hand, we have never, ever been here before. The future lies before us mysterious, uncharted, dangerous, exhilarating, wild, and pregnant with possibility. Perhaps we should be terrified.