Exploring the Many Facets of Generosity with Jane Rauenhorst this Sunday at Minneapolis Insight

Dear Community,

Sunday 10am Community Practice & Discussion

Generosity is the first of the Paramitas, or as Sylvia Boorstein refers to them in her book Pay Attention for Goodness Sake, “Perfections of the Heart."  These Perfections of the Heart are practices/traits we all can develop. Many Buddhist teachers have explored why generosity would be placed as the first of the Paramitas and in the book, Sylvia offers one of those reasons, stated in the Buddha’s own words:  

"Generosity brings happiness at every stage of its expression. We experience joy in forming the intention to be generous. We experience joy in the actual act of giving something. And we experience joy in remembering the fact that we have given." -The Buddha 

Silvia goes on to say: “Generous acts are a relief because they connect.  They are always in relationship.  They can‘t be isolating. And generous acts don’t require some THING to give away.  I understand the Buddha’s statement  “we all have something we could give away” as including – in addition to material possessions- companionship, comfort, encouragement, and care.  I think about realizing how the act of giving wholeheartedly – whatever one has to give – not only does not diminish one’s resources, but can be life saving to the receiver and the giver of the gift.”

Silvia’s comments invite us to broaden our thinking about generosity.  What are all the many manifestations of how we can give and receive?  How does generosity show up unexpectedly? Am I generous to myself as well as others? Am I generous in my thoughts and judgements?  What are the myriad ways we can be curious about expanding our awareness of and practice of generosity?   

This Sunday we will explore how we experience generosity in our lives. What do we have to give?  Where do we get caught? How has generosity connected us to others and perhaps has been life saving?  We hope you can join us this Sunday to practice together and explore the many facets of generosity. 

Please join us for this exploration. Everyone, of all meditation experience levels, is welcome. Registration and Zoom information available here.
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With metta (loving-kindness),
Minneapolis Insight