Charity, giving and giving back

[Rev. Ed C]

Something following on from our talk about Sikhism, and from our continued support of Kiva.org (http://www.kiva.org/team/dudeism), a question of giving.

Both Sikhs and Muslims have an aspect of charity built into their faiths, and Buddhism has it built into its nature.  I've always considered that Dudeism has it built in as well.  I don't think a person can really be a dude if they're all take an no give.

What is giving?  Well, it's not all about money, that's for sure.  From donating money, to donating time, to just listening to someone and giving them advice.  A dude is always willing to give freely, even if it's just a smile and a kind word, if not some time, effort or money.

We give and we give back to those that give to us.  It's part of the harmony that is our dudely nature.  And, of course, a big part of harmony is abiding.  If you're not abiding, that's disharmony, upsetting the balance.

Am I wrong, dudes?

[Jay Zmuda]

 You're totally right, Dude.  I would like to share a quote with you.

"Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go."
-Mother Teresa

If you can make people happy, you have a vital key to your success. It's a win win man!   

[DigitalBuddha]

Mother Teresa...a dude for sure! Welcome to our beach community, JZ!

[ManRalf]

I can't agree more with you there Rev Ed.

But i want to throw Christianity into the ring here, can't this group be left out. I thinking about what we in Sweden call "Diakoni" the part of the church that's really make an effort to help the less fortunate. Visting the elderly, helping out in the soupkitchens, volunteering their time to help out with troubled youths or kids with substansabusing parents and what not.

[Rev. Australia]

I know that this is an old thread and I don't even know if this whole Abideism thing is still being talked about however I can not agree with this more. I too think that giving is more than just money, it is your time, your knowledge, whatever you can do to help.

I can say personally, I am a former Volunteer Firefighter with the NSW Rural Fire Service (here in Australia), I raise money for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Charities, and am always open to chat or talk to others when they need someone to talk to.

Dudeism / Abideism has a large base - over 450 000 Ordained Ministers across the globe - and if ALL of us just reached out and helped ONE person each that is almost half a million people we are helping. If they all go on to help someone using our philosophy that means we have helped almost a million people and the snow ball effect kicks in.

~ Abide ~