Give only the best in charity

Dharma must be followed without seeking for any fruits or rewards (nishkama). But, it is not so easy to put that principle into practice. Hence, the scriptures of dharma insist that even with some expectation the person should engage in charitable deeds.

Amongst all the dharmas, dana (charity) is an important one. Let us understand about this a bit. The scriptures of dharma stipulate us to do good in this birth itself in order to avail the resultant good fruits in the future birth. We believe this and follow also. But, the results are very far and hence we neglect. Let us remember a story.

A woman performs severe austerities seeking to be blessed with children. But, she begets handicapped and blind children in the next birth. What is the reason behind this? The woman worshipped the Lord with many flowers. But, out of them, many were not good enough to be used for the worship. She was careless in setting them aside. She was happy that she could perform the pooja with grandeur. She did not observe these disciplines because she was pleased that people were praising her. Her focus was on that praise. Hence, she had to experience the fruits of that worship in this birth itself so she begot such children. This is the bottom line of the story.

If this is the case with mere worship, then how careful we must be while performing charity? From this story, we learn that we must be very cautious while giving away in charity.

• We must only donate those objects that are good in condition such that they are of use to others.

• Never donate those objects that are about to perish; that are old and useless.

• The results of charity depend on the entity that is given in charity.

If a mother serves food to the son while scolding, he will not bother. But, if the same is repeated to an outsider or to a relative, he will burst out in anger. If a king is served food carelessly, he may even chop off the head. From this it is evident that we must be extremely careful while offering our actions to the Lord of the three worlds.

• The one who donates must be very cautious at any time in every way.

The lady in the aforesaid story had to suffer only because of worshipping the God with broken flowers. Many give away cows in charity. However they give aged or sick cows and hence the cow dies even before it reaches the home of the donee. When giving cows in charity, it is imperative to donate cows that give good milk and which are healthy such that they will live for some days.

There are some who give money in place of donating cows or Annadana (rice donation). But, here too they give only 1 or 10 rupees and are satisfied with their donation. What is the use of such charity when the amount given is not even sufficient for buying coffee? Hence, the object that is donated must be useful to the one who receives the charity. That is the Nishkama karma.

The item given in charity must be of some use to the person who has accepted it. We must give only those food items that are good to eat.

Jai Guru Datta! Sri Guru Datta!