July 24 Generosity: Why being kind and compassionate is the ultimate selfish act

Generosity is often seen as simply being kind to those less fortunate than us, which, while beneficial, reinforces duality and separateness of giver and receiver. Once we understand the transcendent logic of true generosity, built upon the notion of no “me” and no “you”, then generosity is transformed into the limitless and effortless radiation of our inherent richness.

While attending Lehigh University in the early 70’s, Jeff Rubin became fascinated with the study of awakened mind as espoused by Far Eastern religions and philosophies, and began to meditate. Soon after, he met the Venerable Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche and was astonished to encounter the embodiment of what he had been studying. He became Trungpa’s student and an early member of the Shambhala Meditation Center of New York (then called Dharmadhatu). Jeff has been a meditation instructor, teacher, and Shambhala Training director for over 25 years, and is currently the Chair of the Board of Trustees of Sky Lake Lodge, a Shambhala contemplative center located in Rosendale, NY.

Now retired, Jeff was formerly a principal of The Usability Group, a consulting agency that applied human behavioral research and expertise toward the design of emerging technology products and services. He is married to Halice Rubin, and has three delightful children, two of whom are out of the house and finding their way in the world.