标题：BBC Radio 4：Akhandahdi Das – 17/08/16

听力内容：

You are listening to a programmes from BBC Radio 4.

Good morning. Many years ago, I met a wealthy Hindu businessman who explained his approach to charity – I will always give something to anyone who approaches me? Though not necessarily as much as they ask.

I wonder how his brain would register for activity in what a team of scientists from Oxford University have dubbed the “generosity centre” – an area of the brain they believe may be associated with people who appear to be more generous and empathic than others.

But, does this discovery mean that being kind and charitable is entirely dependent on how our brains work? If that were the whole truth, many of us would've excuses for miserly behaviour. And, if kindness boils down to brain architecture, it'd be hard to mount a case that altruism is more praiseworthy than meanness.

However, many neuroscientists warn about assertions that specific parts of the brain may be entirely responsible for certain psychological traits. The brain and the mind are much more complex - and malleable - to allow for simplistic interpretations.

The Bhagavad-gita offers an alternative model of human psychology. It separates out the roles of the brain, the mind and our actual self – i.e. the soul. Our physical senses receive information about the world and send it to the brain for processing. The mind interprets that information; and then presents its conclusions to the self. It comes to us as if projected on a screen with ourselves as the audience. We, the soul, then respond to this presentation. The Gita explains that most of the time, we are so impelled by what the mind has suggested, that our responses appear to be conditioned, programmed and lacking in much, if any, application of free will.

But that, says the Gita, can be improved. We can enhance the way we respond to what the mind presents through meditation, social encouragement and cultural values. For instance, the Charities Aid Foundation produces a chart of the most generous countries in the world. Currently, the UK is 6th on the list. They concluded that for charitable-giving, wealth is not as important as cultural influence.

Like other faiths, the Hindu tradition has long tried to encourage a generous spirit. One ancient text says: work as if you have one hundred hands; but give as if you had a thousand.

Tomorrow is the day many Hindus celebrate Rakhsha Bandhan – a domestic observance between brothers and sisters, reminding each other of their childhood days together and pledging their continual love, support and care for one another. As it's said: a sibling is the person God has chosen to teach you about sharing. Perhaps, charity & generosity begin with what we learn at home.