Student: Master, I feel discouraged.
Zen Master: Ok. Give someone encouragement.
In these simple words lies profound wisdom. This small interaction between a student seeking guidance and a Zen Master holds invaluable depth and significance. Do you remember having shared words of encouragement with someone in distress, a loved one perhaps, only to find that you too gained insight or solace from your own words?
When we give, we create an energy space of that which we are giving. Hence, we are the first recipients to experience the impact of that energy. If we share animosity, we absorb its effects first. Conversely, when we extend love and respect to another being, that energy permeates us, benefiting us before it reaches the receiver. This immediate effect is just the beginning; the energy we radiate ultimately returns to us, amplifying our experiences.
Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.
The Buddha
This principle holds true for both positive and negative energies. As Buddha wisely noted, attempting to harm another often harms us first. When we harbour anger, we are its initial victim.
When we are speaking words that are kind and empowering, those words are also listened upon by the consciousness who is speaking. It becomes a source of nourishment for itself. These words reinforce and strengthen our neural connections, permeating us with similar empowering energy, benefiting both the speaker and the listener; the giver and the receiver.
Giving enriches our lives in numerous ways:
Sense of purpose: When we extend love, kindness, and respect to others, we instill a sense of purpose and fulfillment within ourselves. We receive the inevitable blessings of the receiver, which is indeed a very powerful energy in itself, apart from the contentment one feels by simply giving.
Improving our Energy space: Our energy is our most invaluable asset, shaping our destiny and quality of life. By choosing to uplift others with our words and actions, we cultivate a beautiful and loving energy space within us.
Nurturing Empathy: Sharing with others, deepens our empathy, fostering a sense of humility and equality. This form of giving is not an act of superiority but a genuine, heartfelt sharing of what we possess. If you have peace, love, and joy that is what you’ll share. In turn, both loving energy and empathy will deepen in return.
Improved Quality of Relationships: The energy space we create through giving provides a safe and nurturing environment for those around us, enriching the quality of our relationships and promoting a harmonious flow of energy.
Improvement in our own self-esteem: The act of giving fills us with a sense of abundance, prosperity, and contentment, boosting our self-esteem. We gradually free ourselves from dependency on others to feel good or to feel fulfilled, instead, we find fulfillment in the act of giving.
Giving requires humility. Ego wants, humility gives. The more egoistical energy is dominant in us, the less we will be able to give, instead we will always be in a state of constant want and expectations. The more humble we are, the more empathetic we will be and the more our tendency to give. And giving will further deepen our humility and empathy.
In essence, the art of giving is a profound practice that empowers not only those we share with but also ourselves. Through giving, we embrace a life enriched with purpose, empathy, and genuine connections, paving the way for personal growth and fulfillment.