The natural path

Generosity is the beginning of the spiritual life. While we still have worldly, sensuous desires and priorities, we begin by sharing what we have with others. This is the first way we open the mind beyond ourselves. There can be a lot of joy in this. We can go further and start giving things away. We can begin to enjoy clearing things out and wonder why we held on to so much stuff. This can be our first real taste of renunciation.

A life of sharing brings us naturally closer to our fellow human beings. We consequently become more sensitive to how other people feel. We do not want to cause suffering in others and we feel naturally inclined to live a virtuous life. We thus develop a sense of contentment and a mind clear of regret. Rather we develop a mind that cares. This way is now more pleasant than the sensuous life, and our desires begin to naturally fade.

The fading of desire gives us a new set of eyes on the world, especially on the body. The mind free of desire sees the body very differently and we are led toward a life of renunciation, of complete freedom from desire.






I offer this for your reflection,
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Ajahn Kalyāno
http://www.openthesky.co.uk/