Tuesday 24 July 2012
We all need hel;p sometimes
Sunday 22 July 2012
Friday 20 July 2012
The power of direct giving over indirect.
Is it a new thing? That we are discovering it is an empowering thing to give? Well it certainly has a long history. It is worth asking though if we have created a barrier between us and those to whom we give. We give up the good feeling we get when we place a third party between us and those receiving. What do you think?
Here is a good clip that indicates we may gain more from direct giving than indirect.
“If you knew the power of generosity, you would not let a single meal go by without sharing it,” the Buddha said. Indeed, generosity is so highly valued in Buddhism that “giving is the first of the Ten Perfections that the Buddha taught about,” says James Baraz, a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in northern California and co-author of the new book Awakening Joy: Ten Steps That Will Put You on the Road to Real Happiness.
“If you knew the power of generosity, you would not let a single meal go by without sharing it,” the Buddha said. Indeed, generosity is so highly valued in Buddhism that “giving is the first of the Ten Perfections that the Buddha taught about,” says James Baraz, a founding teacher of Spirit Rock Meditation Center in northern California and co-author of the new book Awakening Joy: Ten Steps That Will Put You on the Road to Real Happiness.
Wednesday 18 July 2012
Is charity wrong?
I have just read a good article which discusses whether it is better to give to charity or give informal small gifts. It sets out some ideas. I agree that often it is better to give directly not though large organizations which remove the link between giver and receiver, thus breaking the element of care. The article gives the story of boy throwing starfish back into the sea one by one. When he is laughed at because it will not change the outcome overall - he says 'at least I made a difference to that one!' I think that sums it up! Here is the link, please read:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/charity/against_1.shtml
http://www.bbc.co.uk/ethics/charity/against_1.shtml
Tuesday 17 July 2012
Technical stuff
July 17, 2012. Technorati will need to verify that you are an author of the blog by looking for a unique code. Please put the following short code 4YTGHWXND2UQ within a new blog post and publish it. This code must appear in the published post and it must also appear in your corresponding RSS feed once published. Once it is published, use the "Verify Claim Token" button on this page to tell Technorati your blog is ready for Technorati to verify the claim token and proceed to final review.
Welcome!
It has been a steep learning curve to master both setting up this blog and working out the best way to help folks in the East who really need a little help. We really do not know here in the West how hard life can be there. I welcome your constructive comments both about what I am trying to achieve and ideas for getting the message out there. Please link to my blog and I will reciprocate. Above all please contribute if you agree with my direct approach. I will leave a link on this page where you can GIVE safely on a crowd funding site. It is empowering to cut out the big oranizations between us and those who need the help. I hope you agree and join in. Please leave a comment. Thank you.
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