In many sutras the focus of the Buddha's teachings focus on the idea of "no self," "emptiness" and the unreality of our existence. Therefore, it seems contradictory that the Buddha would also place so much emphasis on giving. In fact, the Buddha has said that the most important of the three pillars of the Noble Eightfold Path is not Wisdom, nor Mediation, but Compassion.
Buddha's teachings do not seem straightforward to us, but it is not for the failings of the message but rather for the failings of our understanding. While the Buddha preaches and that "all sentient beings are not sentient beings and there is "no self" there is still suffering, And as those that have not yet achieved enlightenment we remain sentient beings that can undergo much sufferings.
In all honesty, even those who cannot grasp other Buddhist concepts, can understand that there is much suffering in the world. And those Buddhist or non-Buddhist, religious or non-religious, rich or poor, all can agree that it is a virtue to be generous and compassionate. But it is still rather amazing that for a religion that many feel is emotionless, pessimistic and selfish, that the Buddha actually preached compassion for others above all else.
Here are but a few of the Buddha's teachings on the rejection of material gains and the importance of giving:
"By giving away food we get more strength; by bestowing clothing on others, we gain more beauty; by donating abodes of purity and truth we acquire great treasures."
"The charitable man has found the path of salvation. He is like a man who plants a sapling securing thereby the shade, the flowers and the fruit in future years."
"It is not life and wealth and power that enslave men, but the cleaving to life and wealth and power."
"My son asks for his inheritance. I cannot give him perishable treasures that will bring cares and sorrows, but I can give him the inheritance of a holy life, which is a treasure that will not perish.
It is truly sad to see the state of the world at present where billions of people are homeless, are sick, are hungry, are dying every day, while a small few either spend their money on meaningless baubles, hoard great wealth just to pass down to generation after generation. Today, less than 1% of people hold 50% of the world's assets. While they may not be committing any crimes, their actions surely cannot be considered morally or spiritually right. Nevertheless, there are those that are willing to donate great amounts of their wealth like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, and they should be commended for such actions. Significantly, the Buddha never said it was incorrect to seek wealth and property, as long as the livelihood was right. So how should one treat wealth once accumulated? Well, it is an undeniable fact that you cannot take your money with you once you die; but do you know what you can take with you? The good karma of a righteous and compassionate life.
Buddha's teachings do not seem straightforward to us, but it is not for the failings of the message but rather for the failings of our understanding. While the Buddha preaches and that "all sentient beings are not sentient beings and there is "no self" there is still suffering, And as those that have not yet achieved enlightenment we remain sentient beings that can undergo much sufferings.
In all honesty, even those who cannot grasp other Buddhist concepts, can understand that there is much suffering in the world. And those Buddhist or non-Buddhist, religious or non-religious, rich or poor, all can agree that it is a virtue to be generous and compassionate. But it is still rather amazing that for a religion that many feel is emotionless, pessimistic and selfish, that the Buddha actually preached compassion for others above all else.
Here are but a few of the Buddha's teachings on the rejection of material gains and the importance of giving:
"By giving away food we get more strength; by bestowing clothing on others, we gain more beauty; by donating abodes of purity and truth we acquire great treasures."
"The charitable man has found the path of salvation. He is like a man who plants a sapling securing thereby the shade, the flowers and the fruit in future years."
"It is not life and wealth and power that enslave men, but the cleaving to life and wealth and power."
"My son asks for his inheritance. I cannot give him perishable treasures that will bring cares and sorrows, but I can give him the inheritance of a holy life, which is a treasure that will not perish.
It is truly sad to see the state of the world at present where billions of people are homeless, are sick, are hungry, are dying every day, while a small few either spend their money on meaningless baubles, hoard great wealth just to pass down to generation after generation. Today, less than 1% of people hold 50% of the world's assets. While they may not be committing any crimes, their actions surely cannot be considered morally or spiritually right. Nevertheless, there are those that are willing to donate great amounts of their wealth like Bill Gates and Warren Buffet, and they should be commended for such actions. Significantly, the Buddha never said it was incorrect to seek wealth and property, as long as the livelihood was right. So how should one treat wealth once accumulated? Well, it is an undeniable fact that you cannot take your money with you once you die; but do you know what you can take with you? The good karma of a righteous and compassionate life.