Verse 25 reminds us to be generous. It reads:

If those who want to be awake have to give even their bodies,

What need is there to talk about things that you simply own?

Be generous without looking

For any return or result- this is the practice of a bodhisattva.

Verse 25

In these next few verses, Tokme Zongpo will reflect on the six paramitas and how they connect to living as a bodhisattva. (You remember, of course, that the Paramita Project was my first venture on the blog and you can read my first post on generosity here.) Of course, generosity is key to living as a bodhisattva because it is the natural fruit of non-attachment. We don’t have to be stingy when we realize we don’t own anything, at the end of the day.

And when we begin to understand how we are all connected, generosity seems like the only sane way to live. I am not well unless you are well. And we want all beings to be safe, well, and free from suffering.

In perspective, generosity on basic things feels like small potatoes compared with martyrs and others who gave their very bodies. What’s the big deal about sharing food, or forgiving a debt?!

The trickiest part of this virtue is doing so with truly open hands. We don’t give to get a reward, or praise. And, even harder, we try not to give with any expectation of what the receiver will do with it. If it’s a gift, we release all of those expectations the minute it leaves our hands.

As Dilgo Khyentse says, “Generosity is complete in itself; there is no need for any other reward than having made others happy.” Ken McLeod also invites readers to try giving something away every day- whether a compliment or a small token or a donation. Make giving a rhythm of life.

How can you practice generosity this week?