One of the most powerful and compelling section in Khalil Gibran’s masterpiece The Prophet is the one entitled On Giving. In a few paragraphs he was able to expose the fundamental weakness of human nature in respect of giving. While stressing the underlying fear of loss and the need to hold on to possessions as the major factors for not giving, he went on to reinforce the importance of giving of oneself and the rewards that will be acquired by this practice.
His initial thought introduced us to the concept that our giving is meaningless if we guard our possessions for fear of needing them at a later date. This only leads to greater need:
His initial thought introduced us to the concept that our giving is meaningless if we guard our possessions for fear of needing them at a later date. This only leads to greater need:
"You give but little when you give of your possessions.
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard
for fear you may need them tomorrow?
And what is fear of need but need itself?
Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, thirst that is unquenchable?"
It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.
For what are your possessions but things you keep and guard
for fear you may need them tomorrow?
And what is fear of need but need itself?
Is not dread of thirst when your well is full, thirst that is unquenchable?"
He then went on to deal with the underlying motivation in giving. Most people will give a token amount expecting to receive due recognition, but this renders the gift unwholesome. While others, who own little, will give all because of their belief in life and the fullness of life. They will enjoy the bounties of life.
"There are those who give little of the much which they have
- and they give it for recognition
and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.
And there are those who have little and give it all.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life,
and their coffer is never empty".
- and they give it for recognition
and their hidden desire makes their gifts unwholesome.
And there are those who have little and give it all.
These are the believers in life and the bounty of life,
and their coffer is never empty".
He then spoke of the rewards of giving. To those who give joyfully, they will experience joy, and those who give reluctantly, they will pay in kind. But those who give for the goodness of giving without expecting anything in return, make God smile on earth. For the greatest joy comes from giving without being asked and seeking out the ones in need and giving openhandedly, without expectation.
"There are those who give with joy, and that joy is their reward.
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving,
nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Though the hands of such as these God speaks,
and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.
It is well to give when asked,
but it is better to give unasked, through understanding;
And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive
is joy greater than giving,
And is there aught you would withhold?"
And there are those who give with pain, and that pain is their baptism.
And there are those who give and know not pain in giving,
nor do they seek joy, nor give with mindfulness of virtue;
They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space.
Though the hands of such as these God speaks,
and from behind their eyes He smiles upon the earth.
It is well to give when asked,
but it is better to give unasked, through understanding;
And to the open-handed the search for one who shall receive
is joy greater than giving,
And is there aught you would withhold?"
He then dealt with the urgency of giving. Sooner or later, you will leave all that you possess, therefore it is far better that your give in your lifetime than leave the giving to your heirs. And like nature, which gives it’s bounty to all, so should you give, not just to the deserving.
"All you have shall some day be given;
Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'.
You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving."
The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish".
Therefore give now, that the season of giving may be yours and not your inheritors'.
You often say, "I would give, but only to the deserving."
The trees in your orchard say not so, nor the flocks in your pasture.
They give that they may live, for to withhold is to perish".
Finally, he reminded us that in the end we are all, givers and receivers, equal creatures of God, placed on earth to enjoy the bounties of Mother nature and father God, without judging or preconceived ideas of who is deserving or who is not.
"And who are you, that men should rend their bosom and unveil their pride,
that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.
For in truth it is life that gives unto life
- while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness.
And you receivers, assume no weight of gratitude,
lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives.
Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;
For to be over mindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity
who has the free-hearted earth for mother, and God for father".
that you may see their worth naked and their pride unabashed?
See first that you yourself deserve to be a giver, and an instrument of giving.
For in truth it is life that gives unto life
- while you, who deem yourself a giver, are but a witness.
And you receivers, assume no weight of gratitude,
lest you lay a yoke upon yourself and upon him who gives.
Rather rise together with the giver on his gifts as on wings;
For to be over mindful of your debt, is to doubt his generosity
who has the free-hearted earth for mother, and God for father".
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