Gift Giving

The Winter holiday season has long been a time of the celebration of light, hope and a remembrance of the indwelling Ground of Being. Many of the world's spiritual traditions mark this time of year with symbolic gestures of generosity, gift giving, the lighting of the Yule log or menorah. More recent fabrications have included the creation of "new" holidays, such a Kwanza, and even the secular and non-sectarian (commercialised) version of Christmas.

This tradition of gift-giving, however, can give rise to anxiety and depression for some. Those who are unable to afford to buy or make gifts, might feel angst over realising that some will be giving them gifts, while they cannot return the gesture. Others might even feel anxiety or anger, when the gifts they receive are "not what they expected". Still others might feel slighted, when holiday cards, gifts or party invitations are not extended to them or returned in-kind.

It has long been said that one can give without loving, but one can never love without giving. The custom of exchanging gifts might have been wrought out of good intentions, but we should remember that it is only a custom. Of greater importance is our realisation that by the very act of intentionality, when we are consciously compassionate toward others, we are giving and receiving the greatest gift there ever was.

The ancient myth about the Sun God, who came to earth, born of a virgin and conquered the God of the Underworld... or of the God-Men Attis, Mithra, Krsna and Jesus -- all of whom, according to legend, were also born of a virgin, and became human so that humanity could become divine -- are stories of hope.

On December 25th, according to the primitive astrotheological traditions, the crucified Sun rises one degree on the horizon and is reborn. Days become longer. Light triumphs over darkness. And the gift of life returns to the frozen land.

Let's make up our minds not to let the stress of "gift giving" preoccupy our thoughts. Let's instead find comfort in the gift that we give, not only during these holidays, but throughout the entire year... the only gift that matters...

...the Gift of Love.

That is the mystery of the Incarnation... the true meaning of the manger... the miracle of the Lights...

Namasté!

gurudas

 

Internationally respected, life coach and teacher, Lama Gurudas Sunyatananda (Dr. F. Gianmichael Salvato, O.C., M.Sc.) is a Buddhist and Franciscan contemplative, and author of the popular book, "The Dharma of Compassion - One Monk's Reflections on the Teachings of the Enlightened and Anointed Ones". He is best known for his on-going contributions to helping people unlock the power of their own minds -- teaching them how to apply that power to create strong, loving relationships, improve their financial situations, and live healthier, more meaningful, prosperous, health and satisfying lives.

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