To Gain, First Learn to Give

📖Master’s Reading

The cosmos has an absolutely fair law — science calls it relativity, the Dharma calls it cause and effect. The cosmos is like a mirror's reflecting motion: whatever you throw out finally returns to you. To gain anything, you must first give something; there is no miracle of gain without effort in the world.

Many pray for the buddhas and bodhisattvas to grant wealth and health, overlooking the truth that "giving and receiving" must be established together. If you did not give wealth in past lives, this life you will have no money; if you did not give medicine, your body will be plagued with ills. If you are unwilling to give anything yet only demand from the dharmadhātu, you break the cosmos's law of energy balance.

True practice is knowing how to treat the ailment and sow accordingly. Seek wealth — you must give wealth; seek health — give medicine; seek good relations — give flowers. When you give medicine to suffering, sick beings and they are freed from pain, this merit reflects back and your own illness naturally heals. When you give generously, this good cause finally becomes the harvest of destiny. Giving was never loss but the accumulation of merit for yourself in the void. When you are no longer selfish and willing to first become the one who gives, the goodwill of the dharmadhātu naturally repays you doubled when conditions ripen.

🌱Reflection for Daily Life

• Understand that the cosmos is a mirror's reflecting motion.
• Understand that giving and receiving must be established together.
• Know how to treat the ailment and steadily sow.
• Be willing to first become the one who gives.
• First become the person you wish to gain.