Benevolence

Benevolence is silent good will. It is like the sun shining on hard ground, softening the earth, melting the ice, but with no design or intention to heal. It is the state of naturalness which is why it works, because the ground feels no debt to the sun. In the same way to be on the receiving end of benevolence is to be receiving something for which there is no return. Not even a pressure to respond which is why one does, so easily.

Benevolence is a state of being, reliant on itself alone. It has nothing to do with feelings of mercy or preference. It offers nothing specific but everyone is drawn to it. It answers no questions, but it enables you to think. It reaches nothing, but because of it you can learn.

To be benevolent is to have forged a link so strong with an unbroken source of energy, that even the interruptions of life cannot block that constant re-fuelling. However dry life is, the tide keeps turning again and again, always. And in the moments just before turning, when life has taken you to the limits, you just know that you’re in the brink of a great in-flow, and so you stay quiet, acknowledging temporary emptiness - only as a prelude.  - Inner Beauty, a book of virtues

BENEVOLENCE is a virtue I rarely hear of these days.  We do hear of kindness and gentleness, but benevolence is much deeper.  It’s not only a facade, it runs deep within a strong soul.  It is the sign that one can give Unconditional Love.  Many people say that nothing is free anymore, that everything has a price and even kindness done has some expectations of being returned.  Benevolence is not like that, for it does not ask anything in return.  It asks only to be allowed to be expressed.

When was the last time you remember someone being truly benevolent towards you or another person?  Rejoice, for you have been blessed!