On Giving & Receiving

There is a distinct difference between “giving and taking” and “giving and receiving”. Giving and taking signifies an exchange, whereas giving and receiving promotes a natural flow of goodness.

It is not unusual that many want to give as little as possible and get as much as they can. For example, in a relationship of two; if you want to give a little and get a lot, the chances are you would end up with nothing. If one party takes more then the other, it is inevitable that the relationship will collapse sooner or later. For harmony and fulfillment to develop one should start by practicing unconditional giving. Since the truth is that we get as much as we give, in our lives, whether it relates to our careers, relationships or spiritual pursuits, we have to make some sacrifices. We have to give a part of us in exchange for what we shall receive.

I know of a friend, single in her early 40’s who has this idea that nobody will care for her in her old age and she goes to the extent of soliciting God’s help to accumulate as much material wealth as possible before then. So, she takes more than her share of anything she can lay her hands on (if offered) and hardly gives. As a result, she has few friends who hardly give her gifts, remember her birthdays, or include her in any of the social events organized. When she moved on to another job, none of her colleagues in the ex-company bothered to find out when her last working day was or gave her a farewell. We often wondered whether she’s aware that there is a more joyous side of life. How sad …

It is the natural law that says if one gives more than one takes, one will receive more than one expects. In heedless taking, the mind dwells intensively on the delusion of greed, desire and selfishness; and there is little or no room for the feeling of joy in “giving and receiving” to flourish.