Thursday, June 24, 2010

Giving Pledge and the poor people

Giving Pledge and the poor people

On June 16th, 2010, Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett launched a campaign to ask every billionaire in USA to pledge to give away 50% of their wealth for philanthropy. Needless to say, it has created more than a big stir in the economical world.

One of the interesting things about it is that it's a moral contract or commitment: The pledge has no legal obligation. In this world of so many laws and enforcement agencies, this tells and convinces people to do things from their hearts and own willingness. There is no one but we ourselves facing the social responsibility to the world.

It's going to be great help and have wonderful impact, both psychologically and in actual fact, to the world in terms of education, cultural, medical, healthcare, public policies, international aids and etc.

While most of the media have been focusing on how Gates and Buffett act so philanthropically with their great wealth, there have been skepticism about their motives and the methods to do it right. Nonetheless, it's great news for the seemingly selfish world.

I have a feeling it's not only the amount of money that has strong impact to the philanthropic world; the initiative will pose great significance in the culture of returning to the society.

The world is changing. Some of the old rigid golden rules of ancient societies may not seem very welcome by the new and younger generations. These days many people look upon the rich and famous and many fancy their materialistic lifestyle and glamor. So if the rich and famous can set a trend of donation frenzy, why not?

So, one may wonder if the rich and famous are running the show, what about common people like you and me? I've been thinking about this for a while. In fact, many ancient thinkers have thought about this and some wonderful concepts have always been around for long.

Below is one of those concepts I believe work well:

The poor must work harder in contributing for charitable activities QUIETLY, CONSISTENTLY and hopefully UNKNOWINGLY too.

QUIETLY means we don't have to tell the world we're doing good deeds. We do encourage everyone to do good and nice deeds but we don't boast things openly. This is called quiet charity. It encourages humble humanity.

CONSISTENTLY is important to make it a habit, so that the merit keeps accumulated.

UNKNOWINGLY is about subconscious level. The more frequent we do certain things, the more unknowingly it becomes. And when that free thought takes place, it's more in tune with the frequency of the resonance of nature; at the same time all the natural abundance will come to us...

In the world of material possessions, one takes nothing with them when one leaves the world. All the monetary and material wealth mean nothing to dead people. Only kind gestures and good deeds for people and living beings will stay in everyone's memories.

So my brothers and sisters, let's all work harder on ways we give and change how we receive from the universe. As some put it, big money makes the news, but it's the giving, both material and emotional supports, of all ordinary individuals that make the world a better place.

PS:
1. For ideas and concepts on how charity and good deeds can change one's destiny and fate, please take a look at the label "charity" on the right.

5 comments:

sylvia said...

Hi, Dr. John,
但願你的付出,能感化普界众生。
布施与付出,要时出时进,流通无礙,沒有分别;
慈悲与喜舍,也没有视疏,没有负擔。
正如一雨普滋,千山秀色!
希望你我他都能继续努力的耕耘。加油吧!

Lithaca said...

To your concept list I would also add "knowledgably." Because it is important for aid and donor dollars to support effective programs, approaches, and NGOs. Thus, donors need to be knowledgable. I also wrote on "the giving pledge" and borrowed your pic of Gates & Co, hope you don't mind :)

http://littlemermaidfauxpas.blogspot.com/2010/08/giving-pledge-and-everyman.html

John said...

Hi Sylvia,

Sorry it takes a while for me to reply.

How are you? Hope things are getting better for you.

Yes, let's help each other with no obstacles and keep thing free flowing!

Keep it up.
John

John said...

Dear little mermaid,

Thank you for the thoughtful addition to the concept list. Indeed we need to careful with how various organizations use the resources for the benefits of mankind.

Having said that, don't let the process deter our kind donations, though.

John

Sylvia said...

Hi Dr. John,

我们一切安然,谢谢您真诚的扶助,感恩您精致的体贴与关怀。。。。。

祝福您:福慧双拥,生活美满。

Tan n Sylvia

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