Dana Paramita

Nirvana is attained by giving all,
Nirvana the objective of my striving.
Everything therefore must be abandoned,
And it is best to give it all away to others.

- Santideva, The Way of the Bodhisattva

Today and tomorrow, many of us will give presents to friends and loved ones. This may or may not produce good feelings in either the giver or the receiver.

When Shantideva wrote about giving all, he wasn't talking about gifts, of course. And he wasn't talking about feelings. He wasn't even talking about making a great effort - although we must indeed make a great effort.

He simply asks us to abandon everything, so that we can get everything.

But what is the all that he asks us to abandon to others?

Surely, the only meaningful thing we can give is our whole being.

It seems easy to understand how we can give our incredible beauty and joy (although I think it's much harder than we might imagine). But we can also give our most feared places, raging feelings, obsessions and other kleshas. We can give away our attachments.

With conscious intent and without hidden agenda, we can expose this very person.  We can offer how it is for us, just now, revealing the truth of heart/mind. 

Frankly, it sometimes feels that the price of this gift is too great.

But then I remember that others before me have done it. And it's the fundamental requirement of the Bodhisattva Way.

Note: I published a version of this post at this time last year.

Photo by John Small

Comments

[pete]

who is the picture of?

[Barry Briggs]

Hi Pete, This is one of the Four Heavenly Kings usually found at the entrance to temple grounds in East Asia. These fierce protectors keep evil spirits and demons from entering the temple precinct. (That's why I've never gotten in!) Each king has certain attributes and items associated with him (umbrellas, etc.). I'm not certain about the little pagoda shown in this image (and, frankly, it's possible that this is not one of the Heavenly Kings but another protector spirit). But . . . the image seemed suitable to the post and the season.

Happy Holidays!
Barry

[Suzanne]

Happy Holiday Barry, such a privilege to be a part of your blog...you work at it, it's obviously a practice and a discipline, and gives "me" much enjoyment!

Love, Suzanne

[pete]

thank you for the wishes and the explanation barry--- happy holidays

[Barry Briggs]

Thank you, Suzanne, for your thoughtful and generous comment. May you also enjoy a wonderful holiday season!

Thanks again, Pete!