It is difficult to imagine that the universe thinks in terms of giving and receiving. From the point of view of the totality, giving and receiving are simply shifts in perspective on the transformation of spirit from one form to another. The giver, the receiver, and the gift are different expressions of the same undifferentiated underlying field of Being.

You can see this on a personal level. Think about giving something to someone you love. Imagine the happiness and opening that unfolds as a result of your gift. Now imagine that the intended receiver refuses to accept your offering. You would almost certainly feel disappointed, sad, and empty as a result of being unable to give something away. Giving and receiving are inextricably interwoven.

What is the best gift we can give to another? Leave someone feeling a little lighter than he or she did before your interaction. From a Vedic perspective, maitrii (friendliness), karuna (compassion), muditaa (joyfulness), and upekshaa (equanimity) are the hallmarks of an awakened being. Cultivate this state of your being and you will be the expression of giving in every breath of your existence. The perspective that “I give” or “I receive” expands to the awareness that “it is being given.” Then your individuality becomes a witness to the eternal flow of life and love.

With love,
David