The act of giving is much talked about in practically every part of world. It transcends religions and shatters geographical and other visible and invisible boundaries. The person who gives unconditionally is considered noble and benevolent at heart. All that is great. But does the act of giving alone fulfills the intention with which something is given? I am not too sure about it. I am reminded of Newton's law - For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. Rephrasing it a bit, for every action to be fulfilled there needs to be an equal and opposite reaction. The act of giving can only be complete if it accepted with the spirit it is made.
For instance, how can love and affection be complete if one is not capable of receiving the love. Yes, love can be bestowed unconditionally but is that complete? How can one be complete freedom when the person being given the independence is not capable of receiving it. This list could go on and on - advice, mentoring, coaching, any opportunity and so on and so forth.
Should we judge every thing before giving or should we just give and can only hope that it will be taken in the right spirit? This comes back to the question of expectations of the giver. Should the giver be unconditional? Of course, it is situational and decision depends on the receiver. But what if life does not always give you the opportunity to gauge the receiver? Should we or should we not give is a question?
As an aside, what is special about few people who are able to give anything without hesitation, consistently and unconditionally? What drives them? Or are there hidden expectations that are not apparent to the eyes of lesser mortals?
The deed of giving..
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2 comments:
From Hinduism's perspective I see act of giving is proposed for
1) Creating a balance in society - voluntary socialism - which is what Gandhi advocated for...
2) Preventing possesiveness and dependency - when you are able to give away you understand that you can live without that.
Giving love & care is different and complicated. Love and care are mostly mutual or subjective - either on those who return in almost equal measures (friends or partners) or those who are subjective to us (parents on Kids) or those whom we are dependent on (Kids on parents).
What is special about those who give unconditionally? - to me, its their realisation that they get what they want from where possible and they give what they can when possible - essentially without tally or comparison exercises...
Nice thoughts/questions. Expectations lead to disappointments. Personally I give what I can. I also take with gratitude what is given to me. If someone gives me something, I try to give more in return. I do not set expectations most of the times. I am not a believer in giving material things. You will never satisfy anyone materially. I give love and kindness, it creates happiness in me. I give love/kindness/material things/ for my own internal happiness. Again, I give what I can.
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