Teaching of the month - Jan 2026
THE PRACTICE OF GIVING FROM THE HEART
Giving is not limited to material offerings; it also includes kind words, wise counsel, prayers for others’ well‑being, and many other forms of generosity.
OM MANI PADME HUM!
Making predictions for the year would be looked forward to by curious ones, and many would be going here and there, hoping to hear what has been said about the year to come. This is not a healthy interest, and one who walks the spiritual path should not be overly concerned with what fortune-tellers, astrologers, or temples have to say. They often bring confusion and, quite frequently, fear.
What is the use of knowing what is in store for oneself when one is too lazy or lacks discipline to strive for the result? He who would want happiness needs only to practise the virtues and apply the teachings to daily life, and all will be well. The Buddha has urged all to keep the Precept if happiness, peace of mind, and a rich life are sought. Yet, how many have made serious attempts to gain the very merit that they may freely accumulate? Living a life is a very serious matter, for it determines what the future will be—whether it is suffering-filled or happiness-filled.
The teaching says that one should practice Giving in order to create causes of happiness and wealth. How many are able to give? It is often so painful to part with what one has; it is not easy to be charitable at all to those whom one dislikes.
There are also many who “think” that they are generous and that they have been giving, but they have suffered by being kind to others, and those to whom they have given freely spite and take advantage of them. For these reasons, they maintain that it is better not to give since it brought about negative results! But they have not given “with generosity,” from the heart and without expectation of praise or reward. What they have given is “tainted” love, not Universal Love!
This is a year of giving. Let those who come and are serious about practising the Great Compassionate Path learn to give and give with love and sincerity, away from the influence of worldly concern. It is easy to live a life as a worldly person; it is very difficult to put spiritual values to one’s life. When giving has been done rightly, the joy that is experienced by those who receive will be immeasurable! It will lead to the arising of boundless love.
It is worth practising giving such limitless joy to help awaken the hearts of worldly and mean people. The power of “offering without discrimination” should be felt through this year’s practice of giving. No one needs to worry about suffering any loss, for by giving, one destroys the very cause that destroys one’s own future—the Ego, which is filled with greed, anger, and delusion. It must be known that one’s happiness, wealth, and peace of mind increase in proportion to one’s giving from the heart.
To those who are seeking wealth and “good luck,” advise them to begin the practice of Giving. It will lead to the cultivation of other virtues, and eventually it will lead them to the treasures they seek!
Friday, 1st January 1988 (11th Moon 12th Day)