Exploring the Yama of Generosity
As a Buddhist nun, my material life was trimmed and refocused. My wardrobe was pared down to the simple robes of a renunciate, no make-up, no jewelry, no dreams of a big house filled with furniture, appliances, and trendy décor. There was a great deal of letting go in the first few years. My world grew quieter in many ways.
I quickly discovered how “sticky” material things are. With a lifestyle of simple needs, my mind would still reach for more, a new Buddha statue, a crystal, or a beautiful mala. I noticed the urge to try and find the perfect meditation cushion, yoga mat, or stylish backpack to carry my prayer books. In our culture, it is easy to try and define ourselves with material things. That did not change when I took my vows, yet I became awake to the habit and invited new choices.
Now as a lay person I still yearn for simplicity, minimalism I believe we call it these days. It feels restful, spacious, and easy. As a human being, I love all the sensory delights; feeling, sight, sound, taste, and touch available to us in this form. As an artist, I love wardrobe and beautiful spaces, colors, textures, light and shadow, the flow of line. As someone with a concern for the impact of mass consumerism on our planet and even on the grasping quality perpetuated in our minds, I value quality, simplicity, and conscious choices. As a nomad, I like to keep it light.
“Stuff” has an incessant way of finding its way into my life, requiring me to be vigilant about what stays and what goes. I recenter in my purpose for this life and my commitment to our precious planet. What are the best uses of my resources? Is this where I want to spend my money and my time? How will this enhance my life? Does it align with my values? Often my first question is, “Am I willing to dust it?”
The lessons of non-possessiveness stand out as both challenging and profoundly liberating. It’s taught me to value presence over possession, and simplicity over surplus.
Perhaps you might see a mirror to your own life. How could the gentle practice of letting go and embracing minimalism make room for what truly matters in your world?