She did not know that this man was Shakyamuni, or that her gift would lead to his enlightenment. This is the spirit of true giving, that our giving may lead another to awakening. When we look closely at life, we see that giving is always present. I really mean it. All of our lives are possible because of each other's life.
People often say how difficult it is to receive from others.
In fact, we should really see how every moment of our life is nothing but receiving. The other shore of the receiver is right here, now, as giver. No matter what the gift, it is simply our life. The giving of the Dharma is to live the mind of compassion. In order to give it, we must have it.