Generosity

It is our nature to be generous. It comes from knowing that the source is always oveflowing and we need not fear shortages. So we share whatever we have with a free hand without expecting anything in return, knowing full well that all our needs will be fulfilled as they arise. There won't be even a moments delay.
Philonthrophy is not quite the same thing, though the well springs are about the same. Philonthrophy is mired by a sense of guilt at having aquired more than one needs and in the process depriving someone needy. The curse of aquiring and the greed that is the source of it is also there in traces. That is why people set up charities in their names. A variation is to call it in the name of a family member. The desire for name and fame shows clearly.
A smart camoflague is to institutionalise the charity. No names appear but the control of the funds remain with the giver or his family.
The foundation in the name of Bill Gates and his wife is of this kind. The richest man in the world now has the biggest charity going in his name. Why does it have to be done with so much fanfare?
The charities that rope in the so called celebrities to raise funds for their activities are providing a screen for the rich and famous to wash their ill gotten wealth and the sin associated with it. How diiferent are these from political fund raisers? A dis- proportionately large part of the money raised goes towards mentaining the lavish life style of the rich and famous.
I have always stayed away from all such jumbo functions, which I find vulgar.
To be generous we don't need material wealth. A healing touch, a kind word, a small tear in empathy are much more potent than all the wealth in the world to alleviate pain and suffering. They do not strip the reciepient of dignity as the gifts of money do.
Those who need tax rebates to open their clenched fists are actually mocking the benevolent spirit.
If we give generously tears would come in the eyes of both the giver and the recepient. This is an indication of true bonding. The tears are an overflowing of love and life blossoms. Let there be more such blossoms.
Ganoba