Question about Buddhism

[Bluegoat]

What kind of tradition of doing good works for the poor/needy/sick does Buddhism have? I am especially interested in the historical picture, although the currant practice would interest me as well. If they did these kind of good works, who did they do them for? If not, why not?

[kangamitroo]

all around the world you will find a tradition of sharing resources with the needy in buddhist cultures. often these are places where those who do the sharing do not have much more than those who are receiving. feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, building temples and caring for monks and nuns all have an important place.

off the top of my head, you might want to look here:

http://www.bpf.org/html/about_us/his...hapter_03.html

and then also at a wonderful essay on the second precept (generosity):

http://dharma.ncf.ca/introduction/pr...precept-2.html

I will think about this and write again when I have more time. It is important to look at the ground upon which a tradition of giving is based, and part of that ground in buddhism is a deep belief in our interdependence, as well as precepts of compassion and generosity. Generosity is not about giving what is left over after we take, but giving based in part on a sense that whatever resources that we hold are not really ours but everyone's.

here is another short collection of articles on generosity:

http://www.dharmacrafts.com/101xIM/2...Gratitude.html