I would like to suggest a socially engaged practice which could transform our immediate lifestyles and change our relationship with suffering. It is the practice of generosity. No practice flies more directly in the face of American acquisitiveness and individualism. Any of us who have spent time in Asia or with our Asian teachers see the centrality of generosity in Buddhist practice. According to traditional formulation, our giving begins with material gifts and extends to gifts of fearlessness and dharma.
Generosity is the virtue that produces peace, as the sutra says.
Every day give something to someone. Notice what happens. Give something which is hard to give. Give money or gifts. Give emotional support or comfort.