I’ve been to many retreats at the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, USA.  One of my favourite teachers is Bhante Buddharakkhita, a Buddhist monk who founded the Uganda Buddhist Center.

Gentle, smiling, cheering me on.  We shared a few smiles over the weeks of retreat.

Here’s a gem from Bhante:

Recently I was leading a retreat, and one of my students said “I have a problem.  I’ve given many people things, but I never get anything back.  Is there something wrong with me?”  This person is a teacher in our primary school.  He said “Whenever I need help, I don’t get any help, but when I give, I give and I give.  I’m exhausted.  I don’t get anything back!”

So I said “Welcome to human life.  Next time, try something different.  Just give to others without expecting anything in return.  When you give to others, experience the joy of giving in that moment.  In that very moment, you are rewarded.” 

***

What a concept.  Expecting nothing … no praise, no nodding of the head “yes”, no hand reaching out to me.

Just giving

I wonder