Then let us all do what is right, strive with all our might toward the unattainable, develop as fully as we can the gifts God has given us, and never stop learning!— Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827)Ludwig van Beethoven is one of the most respected and influential composers of all time. Year after year, his symphonies … Read more
©Osho Zen TarotThe generous man enriches himself by giving;the miser hoards himself poor. — Dutch proverb With last night’s collapse of the American auto industry bailout (for now), and so many other factors that point to a deepening recession, we are all very jittery about what cash we do have. How, then, can we give … Read more
Charity by William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825-1905) I have found that among its other benefits, giving liberates the soul of the giver. — Maya Angelou As I discussed last week, according to Moses Maimonides’ hierarchy of giving, the most virtuous form of charity is that which enables the recipient to become self-reliant. And anonymous giving is more … Read more
© Lisa MertinsWhen we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action, as we who are downstream from another will profit from that grantor’s gift.— Maya AngelouWinter Solstice is less than two weeks away and, as I have in past … Read more
The Golden Tarot © Kat Black and US Games Systems Too many have dispensed with generosityin order to practice charity.— Albert Camus There are many opinions about how best to offer kindness to others. Should the giver remain anonymous? Or should the recipient be given a chance to honor the giver by knowing who it … Read more
Better indeed is knowledge than mechanical practice.Better than knowledge is meditation.But better still is surrender of attachment to results,because there follows immediate peace.— Bhagavad Gita (thanks to Greg for this reminder!)Last night, I watched the new reality show on Fox TV called, “The Secret Millionaire.” I have to admit that I am old enough to … Read more
See to do good, and you will find that happiness will run after you.— Helen KellerWinter Solstice is three weeks away and by now, we are all feeling the enormous pressure of the commercial juggernaut that surrounds us. But many of us are hurting from the economic crisis. And of course, the daily news is … Read more