Reflections on Generosity

Buddhism is so interesting. It reminds me of getting a college degree. There is so much to learn, no timetables, no cost, no pressure. Then I remember how much I spent to send myself to college and really didn't care about going - and about how much I spent to send my children to college, knowing they had the same feeling I did, which was that I had to go.

With Buddhism we have a choice. Go when we want, study when we want, read the quotes from the Dalai Lama each week. Go to see the Dalai Lama. See Venerable Robina. Have Lama Zopa Rinpoche right here in little old Raleigh. We get to learn from the most intelligent people on earth in regards to Buddhism. I have been involved with the Kadampa Center for over two years and feel so honored that I have been able to be associated with such individuals, including all the Kadampa members that I have decided that I will do what I can to help the Kadampa Center continue to bring such guests and special training we get weekly from Geshe Gelek and Venerable Tendron.

I hope when you are considering which charities to give to that you consider our center, where everything is free and supported by our donations. We receive so much more by giving than just receiving. Buddhism has changed my life tremendously. I look forward to read new books by different authors and just two years ago the only thing I read was the sports page.

Because of my Buddhists studies I now look after the other "guy" before I look after myself. I no longer think of myself as greedy, I want to share, I want to help others and I want to continue to be able to go to the Kadampa Center. My wife reminded me that before coming to Kadampa Center I was not able to find ways to become calmer, friendlier and more open-minded.

I hope you all get the same out of the Kadampa Center as I have. I hope you will choose to support the Center so others can benefit in the same way.

Thank you.

James Hardi