Cultivating the Spirit of Generosity

Susan Reviere
November 29, 2025

Stuffed animals made by Kurdish refugee families, being donated to provide comfort to local children in need.

Dear Friends,

I have been reflecting a great deal on generosity. It is a foundational teaching of the dharma path, serving as both the beginning and the realization of the gradual journey towards enlightenment. More than just the act of giving, it embodies the essence and spirit of an awakening heart.

Generosity is a deeply felt practice that includes the act of giving itself, Dana, and it’s companion of the heart, Caga, the spirit of generosity. Together theses aspects of generosity can open us to a path that incorporates the whole of the dharma.

We can explore and discover so many avenues for this practice from the typical financial ‘dana offerings’ to other expressions off a life centered in generosity - generosity of service, love, open-heartedness, time, presence, attention…this this goes on and on.

This exploration and discovery can open our practices to greater aliveness and joy as we feel into the depths of our abundance. We can begin to understand the spirit of giving as an intrinsic part of our Buddha nature, and the more we practice generosity, the greater it grows within. This then nurtures a sense of interconnectedness with all beings as we began to understand more deeply and see more clearly that we all have the same heart - we all need safety, love, security, well-being. And as we practice generosity, we can find deeper meaning in connecting with others beyond our differences, and we can see more clearly the teachings as values we live daily in our lives and practices.

With kindness,

Susan