In spiritual practice, when we recognize a strong miserly tendency within ourselves, we must consciously cultivate the habit of generosity. Practitioners should learn to offer generously to one another—sharing the best of what we have.
Generosity is not limited to material offerings, but also includes the offering of a smile. Instead of maintaining a hostile, withdrawn or unapproachable demeanor, learn to smile genuinely at your fellow practitioners—this in itself is a meaningful expression of giving. So too is the gift of heartfelt words of kindness and tenderness, spoken with the intention to uplift and connect, free from expectation of reward.
It’s often said: “So-and-so is annoying,” or “He/She is so difficult to be around.” But if we look more closely—what, truly, is so wrong? Is everyone around us really ill-intentioned? That’s not the case. We can all learn to treat those around us with sincere kindness and a heart of goodwill. Of course, this does not mean we are being asked to emulate the great Bodhisattva, who were willing to give their own flesh for others—though practitioners at an advanced stage may indeed attain such a level of compassion. For beginners, however, it is appropriate to start with simple acts: when you see a beggar, offer whatever help you can within your capacity.
Perhaps some may think that a little money or a trace of goodwill cannot really make much of a difference. But when you give, you have already gained. Action is what truly matters. If we only talk about it without ever putting it into practice, it will simply not work.
On the shared path of practice, we must learn to offer a smile to those around us even when nothing in particular happens, even when we are feeling low, troubled, or conflicted—to bring a little warmth to our environment. When we practice together, it would be utterly meaningless if we fail to create an atmosphere of warmth and instead end up arguing endlessly over minor issues.
It is simply inconsistent for a Mahayana practitioner, who vows to attain Buddhahood for the welfare of all sentient beings and to take on the sufferings of all beings, to begrudge even a single smile. Therefore, when you are able to help others, do so with your full effort. This alone is enough—take great care not to create obstacles or adverse conditions for anyone.
Through this practice, we gradually cultivate within ourselves a genuine love for the lives around us. This love is not merely warm words spoken without true feeling, but a profound and sincere emotional shift. Only through such inner transformation can the continuum of our heart truly change, creating the possibility to realize emptiness. Otherwise, what you call "mind training" becomes empty rhetoric — you may speak of "transcending the four extremes," yet remain hopelessly bound to the side of "yourself." This is both absurd and terrifying.
This article is a preliminary translation draft and has not yet been reviewed or proofread by the speaker.
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