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Mar 13, 2012

"This is the miracle that happens every time to those who really love; the more they give, the more they possess." --Rainer Maria Rilke

3 Little Monks and a Moment of Truth

"This is Ankur," our host Sachi had said, with the catching enthusiasm she's known and loved for, "He's an amazing photographer and has recently gone totally 'gift economy'." Meaning that he offers his photography unconditionally as a gift, inviting recipients to 'pay it forward.' I look over at the young man seated in front of me. An unguarded face lit now by a smile both shy and warm. "What's your experience been like so far?" I ask him. "Beautiful," he says, "I love gifting people my work and having them let their heart decide how much to give." "But what made you decide to work in this way?" I ask him. "Three eight-year-old monks stood on a cliff edge and saved my life," responds Ankur, his voice bland and friendly, as if the occurrence he speaks of was the most natural thing in the world.