Article by Sis Aileen Low

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It’s that time of the year again. December has come with its celebration of Christmas – beautiful lights, wonderful decorations, bountiful gifts, family gatherings, foods and laughter! Actually, what is the real meaning of Christmas?

For the Christians, Christmas is a time they celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ. It is a time for them to celebrate the love of God, for God shows His greatest love by sending His only Son, Jesus into the world as the Saviour. Christmas is celebrated by giving gifts and thanks to family and friends. It’s a time of sowing peace and love.

What can Buddhist learn from Christmas? How should we look at Christmas? As Buddhists, we can continue our practice of being compassionate, mindful, respectful of others and tolerant of different religious activities around us. In fact, the practice of giving during Christmas is in line with our practice of generosity.

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Generosity or dana was the first of the paramitas (perfections) taught by the Buddha because it is one of the easiest to understand and everyone can practice it. It is also the foundation for the other paramitas. The Buddha taught that when we give to others, we give without expectation of reward. We give without attaching to either the gift or the recipient. When practiced correctly, it is a basis of wholesome kamma and aids in reducing selfishness, greed or self-clinging.

“Monks, if beings knew, as I know, the results of giving & sharing, they would not eat without having given, nor would the stain of selfishness overcome their minds. Even if it were their last bite, their last mouthful, they would not eat without having shared, if there were someone to receive their gift. But because beings do not know, as I know, the results of giving & sharing, they eat without having given. The stain of selfishness overcomes their minds.” (Itivuttaka 26)

In one of the popular books written by Vietnamese monk, Thich Nhat Hanh’s “Living Buddha, Living Christ”, he explains that Buddhism and Christianity have many similarities and that each has left behind wisdom to help and shape the life of billions of people. So, let’s take Christmas as an opportunity to practice religious tolerance and sow the seeds of harmony and loving-kindness.

Merry Christmas!