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things Sayadaw has given to the author. It seems if one had to record just those who received donations while the rest Sayadaw's donations were being catalogued it would amount to a huge tome. Sayadaw uses few of the gifts which receives for himself. When supporters realize the pure intention with which he works for the benefit of the Sâsana, they are moved by strong faith and goodwill to offer. That is why gifts are being received continuously by Sayadaw and his Sâsana Yeiktha.
With his personal experience in receiving them, Sayadaw understands well and believes fully in the various good effects resulting from benevolence.
Though the author has not yet been able to give donations on the scale that Sayadaw has, I am just happy to get to know of his offerings. If I do get to offer that much myself, I will be all the more happy. One saying of the Buddha comes to mind, "If you only knew what I know, you would give away your meal rather than eat it." It is natural law that those who have seen and realized the results of generosity for themselves give unstintingly. They themselves are getting the benefits. Who would not give more and more? It becomes an endless cycle of giving and reaping the rewards, reaping the rewards and giving them away. It is said that once, in a previous life, the Buddha-to-be had a tremendous propensity towards generosity, and gave with enthusiasm. Unsatisfied with the level of his giving, he gave away his own wife and children. Feeling that this was still not enough, he even gave away his eyes, his ears, his arms and legs. Still unsatisfied, he turned around and gave away his life. Really over the top! Why did he do this? With his great omniscience, he wanted to do it for the benefit of others.
Those who have the desire to work for the benefit of others are constantly making these kind of sacrifices.
Having himself this desire to work for the benefit of others, it is apparent that the Shwe Taung Gon Sasana Yeiktha Sayadaw deeply appreciates this type of attitude. "Generosity brings good company," he says. "If one shares liberally, one is bound to be surrounded by good people," he says. If one shares little of what one has, one is bound to have little company. Sharing liberally, the Shwe Taung Gon Sâsana Yeiktha Sayadaw has lots of company. Monks, novices, and nuns, men and women of all ages surround him.
Sayadaw doesn't give things away in order to increase his following. He just gives so that people may be well and happy. Charity is noble and sublime only when it is done with the intention to give happiness to others. Noble people share their wealth with the intention of giving others happiness. If it is done looking out for oneself, it is not noble. Thus, if you want to give in the way the noble ones do, one must do it with the welfare of others in mind.
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