You Can't Love Without Giving

Give Until it Feels Good

  

If you’re the type who likes to give, I don’t have to tell you the benefits that come from that.

Particularly if you have a skill or a gift that benefits the community in some way, everyone is missing out until you share it.

At the ashram it’s fun to see people’s talents put to good use, from the electrical engineer who plays and teaches tabla, to the mortgage manager who makes the best homemade salsa (which she sells, then donates to Nepal relief).

There are some wonderful cooks who alternate providing dishes for the Sunday afternoon meal after satsang; there are naturopathic practitioners who can cure your neck and back pain on the spot using pressure points; even harmonium lessons are available upon request.

And where would any community be without computer experts? We have several. One person makes patterns for dresses and saris. Another is particularly handy overall, rooting out mechanical and other problems with appliances. 

Obviously there are excellent yoga and meditation instructors, as well as pranayama (breathing techniques for good health). There’s that person who writes a blog that celebrates this community… 

And there are many others who give in ways big and small that no one knows about. They don’t need thanks, but I acknowledge them here anyway.

Givers know that the reward is instantaneous if you’re doing it out of love. “If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:3)

I was recently introduced to “seva,” a Sanskrit word that means “selfless service” or work performed without any thought of reward or repayment. In ancient India seva was believed to help one's spiritual growth and at the same time contribute to the improvement of a community.

Sounds perfect.

The Baijis - A Life of Giving, a Life of Service

   

For a good example of living in humble service to others, I look no further than the baijis (nuns) at the Ashram.

They receive visitors at all hours of the day, every day of the week, even on Tuesday, which is supposed to be their day of rest, chores, paperwork, catching up. But there is always a need.

People come for blessings or to get counsel. The baijis gladly oblige, frequently serving tea and snacks, even cooking meals for out of town visitors.

In fact, if someone with a need is walking up their driveway as they are driving out, they will stop, turn around, and change their plans (unless it was a firm commitment where they are expected). They put everyone else's needs above their own at all times.

Devotees travel from around the country to see the baijis. I met a couple from Florida (where the baijis used to be based) who told me how extremely lucky we were to have them here in La Habra. I met another family from the Midwest who planned their family vacation around visiting the baijis. Some people come from as far as India.

In addition to visiting with and ministering to their devotees, they lead yoga classes throughout the week, as well as meditation sessions and other devotions, culminating in their Sunday satsang service (full of parables, singing and prayer) followed by a delicious vegetarian meal (anyone is welcome for any part of the evening).

People call for them at all hours with news of births and deaths and everything in between. There are also earthquake updates from their sister Ashram in Katmandu, along with emailed photos of the area you won't see in the press.

And if someone is very ill, they go to them. Few things give as much elation to a sick devotee than a visit from the baijis.

Fund raising events for Nepal are attended, whether it’s at a Punjabi festival, a Sikh church or temple, or any event that will have them. People have been very generous.

The baijis know there is much to be gained in giving, and they open up the Ashram – their home – to anyone who wants to participate and reap the same benefits. In addition to their good deeds, they serve as an excellent example of a good way to live, for which I'm grateful. 

Book Title and Quote Have New Meaning After the Quake

Saw the quote
found the book
loved the subtitle
posted the link:  Bringing Progress to Paradise: What I Got from Giving to a Mountain Village in Nepal by Jeffrey Rasley