Full Moon - The Gift Of Aspiration

Published December 25, 2015

There are those
who awaken from heedlessness.
They bring light into the world
like the moon emerging from clouds.

Dhammapada 172

If we wanted to give a gift to the world that would make a difference, what could we give? The Buddha might recommend offering a firm resolution to awaken from habits of heedlessness. We couldn't know for sure that we would be successful; there might still be times when we would forget ourselves, saying or doing things that cause harm, but we could aspire. The goal towards which our heart is directed is something we have sovereignty over. And a resolution to awaken is a generous gift which is within our means.