Generosity: The First Step in Perfecting Wisdom
"Generosity is complete in itself; there is no need for any other reward than having made others happy."
"If you are truly generous, you will be free of all difficulties and will possess whatever wealth you need to carry out altruistic deeds."
These two quotes from Dilgo Khyentse offer a glimpse at the first Buddhist paramita ("perfection of wisdom"): generosity.
Some of us are naturally giving, and some of us are not. It may take effort (or even some training) to give freely.
And what should we give? Thich Nhat Hanh offers some guidelines that may surprise you.