Buddhism Knows that "Givers Gain"

"Givers Gain" is more than a business philosophy. It is a life philosophy.

Thousands of years ago, the concept of "Givers Gain" was born by another name:

Karma - the law of moral causation.

The theory of Karma is a fundamental doctrine in Buddhism, yet this belief was prevalent in India even before the advent of the Buddha.

According to Karmic theory, our present mental, moral, intellectual, and temperamental differences are, for the most part, due to our own actions and tendencies, both past and present. In other words: You get back what you give; what goes around comes around; or Givers Gain.

The Pali term Karma literally means action or doing. Any kind of intentional action whether mental, verbal, or physical, is regarded as Karma. It covers all that is included in the phrase "thought, word and deed". Generally speaking, all good and bad action constitutes Karma. In its ultimate sense Karma means all moral and immoral volition. Involuntary, unintentional or unconscious actions, though technically deeds, do not constitute Karma, because volition, the most important factor in determining Karma, is absent.

In today's desperate economic climate, the laws of Karma seem to have amplified for business owners. As budgets shrink and needs grow, businesses - and individuals - seem to have balanced the divergence by falling back on the one thing money can't buy: relationships. Long-established relationships built on trust and reliability between vendor and spender seem to have both sides clinging to one another through this storm. "You have been there for me in the past, now I will be there for you." That's Karma.

By the same token, where new products or services are needed, those same long-standing relationships are what will carry the day and bring new spenders to new vendors. The greatest advertising campaign in the world will never usurp a good word from a trusted friend.

So? Now what?

Now, consider your business and networking relationships...those you are building and those you have neglected. Have your volitional deeds done something - anything - to build or support those relationships? If so, the laws of Karma say that such affirmative deeds will return to reward you. Givers Gain.

On the other hand, if your volitional deeds have served to disrupt or destroy a business or networking relationship, those deeds will likewise return to you...and you will not like it.

Finally, if everything seems status quo and your relationships are flowing with the goodness and good fortune you have cultivated, you have achieved what some might call Karmic balance. However, Karmic balance is only as steady as your most recent act or deed.

Karmic Savings Account

Those who believe in Karma (as I do) and those who try to embody the philosophy that "Givers Gain," will logically support the notion of a Karmic Savings Account; something akin to a stockpile of good deeds to offset our own human imperfections - and bad decisions.

Anything you do to tip the Karmic scales on favor of good can be considered a deposit into the Karmic Savings Account. Genuine good deeds, honest kind words, and unappreciated demonstrations of integrity all qualify for such deposits.

Make A Deposit

On June 4, 2011, you can make a significant deposit into your own Karmic Savings Account when you join the Long Beach Life Savers for AIDS Walk Long Beach 2011.

The proceeds go to benefit those struggling with this dreadful disease that kills without regard for age, race, religion, orientation, or political views. It does not care who you are or how you live...and it does not recognize Karma. It just kills.

Take a moment to join our team and walk with us or simply support us with a donation. Either way, you will be showing the world that you understand and believe that Givers really do Gain.

Go Now: Click Here