Reciprocity: The Heart of Generosity

I went for a weekend retreat on Generosity at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies and took a walk in the woods to see dozens of ladyslippers blooming.

These delicate wild orchids do not transplant because they depend on certain fungus in the soil. The pink lady’s slipper requires threads of the fungus to break open its seeds. The fungus helps the ladyslipper procreate, and, in turn, the ladyslipper feeds the fungus.

This sort of reciprocity is an excellent description of dana or generosity. We rely on the Dharma to help us create wholesomeness in our lives. In turn, we offer generosity to our Dharma teachers, often through money, but also through our service to the Dharma in our own community. In these ways, we rely on each other.

Generosity: it's a beautiful thing.