The synergy of intent!

 A pair of Common iora in our garden !

One perched in shade and the other gathering stick from an adjacent tree for its nest! Both engaged in a common purpose!

This synergy of intent caught my attention. 

I came across such an experience recently. The alumni of a college decided to invest to create a scholarship scheme for students who excel  academically coming from economically backward situation. The college itself was contemplating to offer some concession for students from disadvantaged background when they show consistency of performance. When the alumni and the college management met together, what happened was a scheme that would offer a four year scholarship for undergraduate studies for all students who show consistent progress academically, if they are form disadvantaged background. Both the alumni and college management wanted to avoid any fanfare associated with acts of kindness. 

What is similar in the story of  Common iora and the alumni and the college management thinking alike brought a salutary thought to my mind !

There is an inherent spirit of mindfulness still prevailing in a competitive, acquisitive and accumulative climate!

I have recently come across the habit of a family of anonymous giving. This generous family gives liberally to support families in distress. There is no disclosure of the identity of the donor! The family is particular to stay anonymous. 

It is when I heard about this, it helped me to go to the heart of the intent. The intent to do good has a sacred dimension. It is solely directed by altruism. There is no subtle motive of personal gain or recognition. 

Jesus of Nazareth in His sermon on the Mount, referred to giving alms and prayer to be private experiences and not acts, 'to be noticed by others'. (Matt 6: 1-6).

I feel moved by the ethos of doing acts of kindness secretly as much as possible. The giver although is a source of blessing, the attention is not on the giver. 

Jesus of Nazareth equated praying and giving with regard to how they are done. 

Pray in solitude and give anonymously!

This is another synergy of intent! Praying and giving, being sacred acts, are to be in secret!

M.C.Mathew(text and photo)