One’s view on this will really depend on how one looks at it. One could look at the increasing transactional nature of our relationships and the increasing hunger for love, and say that yes, love and generosity are on the decline. Or, one could look at the revived focus on love and generosity in discussions, scientific research, and even actions across the world, and say that they are now on an upward swing.

 

As for my view, I feel its cyclical in nature. When I examine the state of the world over a large period of time, it seems that there were the ancient times when, based on available texts, it seems that people clearly understood the importance of generosity in their well-being and growth. They consciously practiced these values and it became a part of their inherent nature. Then, there was a period where these practices were passed on to us and we continued to live them. But, perhaps, we overlooked the part of understanding why it was important and, over time, the wisdom behind it was lost. Then came another period, where the ‘being’ and these practices also got diluted and a lot of questions came up around why these were being followed. Since we no longer carried the wisdom within us and were unable to see the value in these practices, we started discarding them. Then came our current period, where we started feeling empty inside, leading to attempts to find ways to feel complete again. Among the many attempts, some involve revived interest in ancient wisdom and practices, including those around generosity. This interest is now being pursued in many ways: some people are trying to learn from ancient texts, some are using modern science to discern the benefits, and some others are experimenting with generosity in their daily lives.

 

Hence, I see it as cyclical in nature and we seem to be on an upward curve at the moment:)

Yes, definitely. Children’s education starts from their home and immediate surroundings, and they pick up a lot from these ecosystems in their early years. However this, like other virtues/values (e.g.- honesty), is something which children pick up by observation rather than from direct teaching. So, instead of focusing on teaching or preaching to children, one could focus on developing this virtue within oneself and practicing generosity in ones own daily life. Children will naturally follow. Care should also be taken to not give the children all the answers, but rather help them to reflect on their own experiences and learn from them.

 

In fact, this is how our ancient Gurukul system worked. The students lived with the guru and learnt from his example, as well as own reflection. The guru’s role was to help the students find their answers, rather than preach his answers to them.

 

Also, from the views on the previous question, it is important to learn and practice these virtues, but also be aware of why we should be doing so. Action and wisdom need to go hand-in-hand, for it to ripple out and sustain.

Whoever is able to realize that love is the essence of generosity, will naturally care for people. The act could still be giving money to charity, but the attitude/intent behind it will be different. It will be one of serving based on oneness and compassion, rather than that of helping, which is based on division and pity.

 

One should not look down upon money giving. It is one of the resources required to serve people at times (e.g.- you need money to buy books for children, if you want to teach them). Giving away is important, what is given is secondary. In fact, for many people including me, the journey of giving/generosity starts with giving out money!

 

One way we try to develop love in ourselves, is by focusing on building communities rather than projects. So, we give more importance to supporting each other in our journeys rather than achieving a specific project target. Targets are still achieved, but so much more of individual and collective transformation also happens.

 

Another way could be to bring more attention to time volunteering, which is already happening. There are so many places where volunteers could come in and really make a difference, and also explore their own generosity. This will require systems and institutions to create awareness about volunteering, create opportunities for people to do so, and make it an enriching experience for the volunteers. On this, we can learn from many of the developed countries who have systems in place to make this happen, for various age groups (from childhood to senior citizens).

 

Yet another way could be that of celebrating everyday heroes who practice generosity in small yet beautiful ways (e.g.- Uday bhai in Ahmedabad). Many people respect Mother Teresa for her great generosity and are inspired by it, but her acts are regarded as superhuman. However, when one reads about a man who goes around repairing taps in peoples homes for free as a way to save water, it evokes a different response: ‘I can also do this!’. This is more likely to inspire people to action:)

It should surely be given more importance in schools, but not sure about it being introduced as a subject. An act of generosity, its benefits to the doer and ripple outside are all very subjective and subtle in nature. So, not sure how much they can be standardized into a curriculum.

 

Already, moral values have been introduced in our schools as a subject and there is plenty of debate around how successful/unsuccessful the approach is. On the other hand, some other alternative approaches, where values are interwoven with other subjects and activities in the school, have received a fair amount of appreciation.

 

My view is that, just like at home, children learn most from observation. So, if we want them to learn to be generous, we have to start by being generous ourselves, around them and with them. Then, we can additionally figure out ways to embed the spirit of generosity into a typical day for the children at school.

 

All in all, as Gandhji would say, we have to ‘be the change we want to see in the world’.