Alobha (Non-greed)

Not wanting is alobha. It is non-attachment to things, and is the opposite of greed, or wanting something; lobha and alobha are just like fire and water. Where as lobha wants things, alobha does not want anything at all because its nature is non-greed, generosity, charity. In daily life too we may notice the contrasting behavior of a greedy man and a contented man.

A greedy man seeks wealth by hook or by crook because his mind is overwhelmed by greed.He is not satisfied with whatever he has gained. Being greedy, he is always after amassing more and more wealth. When he dies, he will be reborn in the realm of miserable ghosts(petas) because of his greed or attachment to his properties.His greed will push him down to apayas, the woeful abodes. Such are the evils of greed.

In contrast,a greed-less man practices right livelihood.He avoids sensual pleasures as much as possible. He has pity for the poor and is generous to them.In alms-giving, he is never hesitant. He has a goodwill of giving freely and without reluctance.Such virtuous persons can even renounce crown, wealth and power and become a religious recluse with a contented mind dwelling in a sylvan hut.

Therefore you will see the difference between the greedy and greed-less like two men running back to back in opposite directions.So, one should analyze his mind thus, “Am I greedy or greed-less?” If you are greedy, you should reform your mind right in the present existence. If one can assess oneself as greed-less, one should still do more good deeds because one now has an excellent foundation. So, all persons should cultivate sati (mindfulness) in order to become greed-less generous people.

Source : Buddhism for Beginners by Ye' Thu Aung