Buddha and the CNN Hero Awards

[fragrant herbs]

I have been wondering about this for some time. What does Buddha say about charity works? Is this something that he would suggest that we do or not? This is the idea that we spend time helping others out of their poverty or helping a group of people to better their life through education or health.

[Laurens]

Caring for and helping others is very much supported by the Buddha. Although in Buddhism its not what you give, its the nature of the gift. A small gift given selflessly is better than a large gift given selfishly.

[fragrant herbs]

What would be the nature of the gift given in Buddhism?

[Laurens]

Well I guess it would be a gift given with a pure heart. Its hard to state the specifics, but basically a gift given out of a geniune wish to make other beings well and happy, rather than a gift to get your name on a plaque on the wall.

[Khalil Bodhi]

And don't forget the quality of the merit generated is directly related to the spiritual development of the receiver. Other than that though, the Lord Buddha advised us to give where we feel inspired. Simple as that. May you be well, happy and peaceful!

[Emi]

In my opinion, The Dhamma is the purest gift the human race has received; surely 'passing on' it's words to others is the greatest gift, or act of charity, of all?

[fragrant herbs]

Well I guess it would be a gift given with a pure heart. Its hard to state the specifics, but basically a gift given out of a geniune wish to make other beings well and happy, rather than a gift to get your name on a plaque on the wall.

If you had listened to the award show you would know that these individuals did it not for a plaque, which they did not expect, but out of love for mankind. They were all very humble in accepting the gift.

[Laurens]

If you had listened to the award show you would know that these individuals did it not for a plaque, which they did not expect, but out of love for mankind. They were all very humble in accepting the gift.

Sorry I wasn't commenting on the show (I had not seen it) just merely providing an explaination for you. I don't doubt the intentions of the people on that show.

[boris]

The welfare of oneself should not be neglected for the welfare of others, however great; recognizing the welfare of oneself, one should be devoted to one's own welfare. (Dhammapada 166)

How do you understand this teaching?

[fragrant herbs]

oh, sorry Laurens.

How do I understand what the dhammapada says?

I am not really sure. I do believe in taking care of the welfare of oneself, but I also believe that we should help others by way of charity works.

[cooran]

The welfare of oneself should not be neglected for the welfare of others, however great; recognizing the welfare of oneself, one should be devoted to one's own welfare. (Dhammapada 166)

How do you understand this teaching?

Hello Boris,

This is what it means:

STRIVE FOR YOUR SPIRITUAL WELFARE
10. For the sake of others' welfare, however great, let not one neglect one's own welfare.3
Clearly perceiving one's own welfare, let one be intent on one's own goal. 166.
Story
As the Buddha was about to pass away His disciples flocked from far and near to pay their last respects to Him. A monk named Attadattha instead of joining them, retired to his cell and meditated. The other monks reported this matter to the Buddha. When questioned as to his conduct. the monk replied. "Lord, as you would be passing away three months hence I thought the best way to honour you would be by attaining Arahantship during your lifetime itself." The Buddha praised him for his exemplary conduct and remarked that one's spiritual welfare should not be abandoned for the sake of others.

3 Here "welfare" denotes one's ultimate goal, i.e., Nibbàna. Personal sanctification should not be sacrificed for the sake of external homage.
One must not misunderstand this verse to mean that one should not selflessly work for the weal of others. Selfless service is highly commended by the Buddha.
http://home.nethere.net/dsparks/narada/ ... 0Vagga.htm

metta
Chris

[boris]

One must not misunderstand this verse to mean that one should not selflessly work for the weal of others. Selfless service is highly commended by the Buddha.

But what does it mean selfless service. Selfkess in a sense without attavadupadana?

[Ben]

Thank you Chris for your contribution containing Narada Thera's translation and story behind the Dhammapada verse.
metta

Ben

[mikenz66]

Hi Boris,

One must not misunderstand this verse to mean that one should not selflessly work for the weal of others. Selfless service is highly commended by the Buddha.

But what does it mean selfless service. Selfkess in a sense without attavadupadana?

I presume he just means "selfless" in the normal sense of the word: doing things without expecting personal gain.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selfless

Mike

[boris]

I presume he just means "selfless" in the normal sense of the word: doing things without expecting personal gain.

That is to help others before I can really help them. Of course doing things without expecting personal gain is very praiseworthy, however under delusion of self we cannot help much. Only on very gross level.

[mikenz66]

Hi Boris,

That is to help others before I can really help them.

But don't forget that the Buddha taught people to be generous before giving them more advanced teachings.

Of course doing things without expecting personal gain is very praiseworthy, however under delusion of self we cannot help much. Only on very gross level.

As long as this "delusion of self" is not used as an excuse to be detached. Generosity is the first step towards reducing the sense of self.

Metta
Mike

[boris]

As long as this "delusion of self" is not used as an excuse to be detached. Generosity is the first step towards reducing the sense of self.

You study Dhamma and I study Dhamma. However I have impression that we study not only different Suttas in Pali Canan, but rather that you are Mahayana follower. If this is so, you should know that detachment is prised by The Buddha much more often then generosity, not to speak about social service which is just criticised in Suttas, monks should try to avoided it:

"Ananda, a monk does not shine if he delights in company, enjoys company, is committed to delighting in company; if he delights in a group, enjoys a group, rejoices in a group. Indeed, Ananda, it is impossible that a monk who delights in company, enjoys company, is committed to delighting in company; who delights in a group, enjoys a group, rejoices in a group, will obtain at will — without difficulty, without trouble — the pleasure of renunciation, the pleasure of seclusion, the pleasure of peace, the pleasure of self-awakening.

M 122

[mikenz66]

You study Dhamma and I study Dhamma. However I have impression that we study not only different Suttas in Pali Canan, but rather that you are Mahayana follower.

Well, you'd be completely mistaken.

If this is so, you should know that detachment is prised by The Buddha much more often then generosity, not to speak about social service which is just criticised in Suttas, monks should try to avoided it:

I'm aware of the advice to monks who have reached that stage, but the Buddha also taught according to his audience and taught that the development of generosity was a key part of the path.
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/ptf/dham ... index.html

Metta
Mike

[boris]

"Cunda, it is impossible that one who is himself sunk in the mire should pull out another who is sunk in the mire. But it is possible, Cunda, that one not sunk in the mire himself should pull out another who is sunk in the mire.

"It is not possible, Cunda, that one who is himself not restrained, not disciplined and not quenched [as to his passions should make others restrained and disciplined, should make them attain to the full quenching [of passions] But it is possible, Cunda, that one who is himself restrained, disciplined and fully quenched [as to his passions] should make others restrained and disciplined, should make them attain to the full quenching [of passions]. Even so, Cunda:26

M8

Generosity OK: However, in order to help others right view is necessary . You have a good kamma now, you are human being and who knows? Maybe you were generous last 100000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 lives? But by only generosity and social service you will continue like this into infinite.
Interesting question is, when 'self" as separate entity disappears how others can remain?

PS I am sorry I suspected you to follow bodhisattva path.

[tiltbillings]

Interesting question is, when 'self" as separate entity disappears how others can remain?

Then what do you do?