Art of giving...

How should one give?

Generally in India, charity is associated with we accumulating generous levels of "Punya" or "good karma". So it has become a barter activity where we do away with what we don't want or what we like and barter it for good karma.

Our image of God is more as a whole karma dealer so that we can exchange our good karma and ask him for some season's discount on punishment on the judgement day.

There is a very powerful quote from Buddha which gives you goose-pimples when ever you try to understand what he meant. Lord Buddha said "If you knew what I know about the power of giving, you would not let a single meal pass without sharing it in some way."

There is a very good saying in Sanskrit on how to offer charity aka the Art of giving... 

"Shraddhaya Deyam. Ashraddhaya Adeyam.
Shriyaa Deyam. Hriyaa Deyam. Bhiyaa Deyam. Samvida Deyam"

It is important to understand that this is in Taittariyopanishad as part of the convocation ceremony of Gurukul in ancient India where the guru advises students as they are about to step into the real world after years of study. Its meaning goes as follows:

• Give with dedication. Do not give without dedication. 
• Give good. Give with humbleness and modesty.
• Give with awe. Give with good will and friendship.

Humility in giving highlights the importance of blessings that has been bestowed upon us to be in a position to give.

More importantly the act of giving has to be based on unconditional love. A state of inability in putting up with the sufferings of other living beings. What can more succinctly capture this than the quotes from Sage Vallalar and Sage Thiruvalluvar.

"வாடிய பயிரை கண்டபோதெல்லாம் வாடினேன்" 

Sage Vallalar suffered whenever he saw a dried up (dead) plant (without water). Such was his love - unconditional and universal.

 

"அன்பிலார் எல்லாம் தமக்குரியர் அன்புடையார் 

என்பும் உரியர் பிறர்க்கு"  - Sage Thiruvalluvar

A person without love keeps everything for himself, but a person filled with love offers his every bone for the benefit of others...

"அன்பும் அருளும் எங்கும் நிலைக்கட்டும்" 

May the divine love and grace prevail everywhere!