The Virtue of Giving: A Lesson in Generosity

In a past life, the Bodhisatta was an ascetic living in the peaceful Himalayas. During one rainy season, he and his fellow ascetics traveled to a nearby city to collect salt and seasoning. They settled in the royal park, where they planned to stay for a few days. On their first morning in the city, they went out to collect alms, visiting a village on the outskirts. The next day, they ventured into the heart of the city, where the people came together to offer their alms.

Among the crowd, one man spoke to the Bodhisatta, mentioning that some people had given large donations, while others had contributed only a little. The Bodhisatta, with his wise and kind heart, smiled and said, “No gift is too small. The act of giving is what matters, and anyone who gives, no matter how much, is a good person.”

In the Lifetime of the Buddha

Years later, in the time of the Buddha, two friends came together to make a collection of alms for the Buddha and his disciples. When they presented their offerings, the eldest of the two explained to the Buddha that some people had given much, while others had only contributed a little. The Buddha, appreciating the sentiment, replied, “No matter how much or how little, the act of giving is always a virtuous deed.”

To help his disciples understand the value of giving, the Buddha then told them the story of the Bodhisatta’s past life, reminding them that in earlier times, people also gave according to their means, and all contributions were equally precious in the eyes of virtue.

Moral of the Story

The story teaches us the importance of generosity and the value of every act of giving, no matter how small. The Bodhisatta’s wisdom reminds us that it is not the size of the gift that counts, but the intention and spirit behind it. Whether we give much or little, the act of giving itself is what makes us virtuous.

The Moral

Generosity is not measured by the amount, but by the kindness in the heart of the giver.