THE BEAUTY OF GENEROSITY

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It has always been our belief
that the love of possessions is a

weakness to be overcome. Its appeal

is to the material part, and if allowed its way

it will in time disturb the spiritual balance

for which we all strive.

Therefore we must early learn the beauty

of generosity. As children we are taught to

give what we prize most, that we may taste

the happiness of giving; at an early age we

are made the family giver of alms. If a

child is inclined to be grasping, or to cling

too strongly to possessions, legends are

related that tell of the contempt and

disgrace falling on those who are

ungenerous and mean.

Public giving is a part of every

important ceremony. It properly belongs

to the celebration of birth, marriage, and

death, and is observed whenever it is desired

to do special honor to any person or event.

Upon such occasions it is common to

literally give away all that one has to

relatives, to guests of another tribe or

clan, but above all to the poor and the

aged, from whom we can hope

for no return.

Finally, the gift to the Great Mystery,

the religious offering, may be of little value

in itself, but to the giver's own thought it

should carry the meaning and reward

of true sacrifice.

*

Ohiyesa (Charles Alexander Eastman)

Santee Sioux (1858-1939)

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