Inspiration: Give Always

A koan for you:

Zen Master Ryokan lived a simple and frugal life – all by himself in a small hut at the foot of a mountain. One evening, a thief visited the hut only to discover there was nothing in it to steal. When Ryokan returned, he was 'caught' red-handed. Instead of being angry or alerting the authorities, Ryokan said, 'As you must have come a long way to visit me, you should not leave empty-handed. Please take my clothes as a gift.' Stunned and bewildered, the thief nevertheless took the clothes before sheepishly hurrying off. As Ryokan sat naked while watching the moon, he exclaimed, 'Poor fellow, I wish I could have given him the beautiful moon!'

You give. You give heartily. You train and consult and meet with people who have no intention or ability of paying you for the time. How do you remedy that?

Give more.

Ryokan had it right. The thief had it wrong.

If you're looking to give, you can give the moon.

If you're looking to take, you can have tattered, worn cloth.

Which one will you be?

Comments, always. I'll give you the moon.