his skillful means in regard to gain and loss, he is able to benefit all beings to an even greater extent by relinquishing material gifts and by giving the gift of fearlessness and the gift of the true Dhamma. This is the method of reflecting on the perfection of giving. from “A Treatise on the Pāramīs, by Ācariya Dhammapāla,” translated from the Pāli by Bhikkhu Bodhi (Buddhist Publication Society, The Wheel Publication No. 409/411)
The Buddha taught, over and over, that generosity is the first door we walk through if we are serious about our spiritual work. Without generosity enlightenment is flatout impossible. We're too self-centered. Unless our rela&onships are bathed in generosity they don't have a chance. At the other extreme, generosity can bu6ress a faltering rela&onship, giving other paramitas &me to work their magic. It fuels the li6le extras, the surprise moments that keep us fresh and interes&ng. —from Love Dharma, by Geri Larkin
27