Science of Giving Alms
दानमेकं कलौ युगे
मनुस्मृति 1.86
Our first father Manu also said the same. There is a story in the Vedas, once celestial gods, humans, and demons went to their father creator Lord Brahma, to ask Him what their duty is? Lord Brahma gave his answer in three letters Da da da (द द द).
Each of them came back bewildered as they didn’t understand the answer. They asked their respective Gurus to decode the answer.
Guru Ji explained saying
First ‘da’ is meant for the humans, who have become extremely greedy for money. This is the cause of their downfall. For them ‘da’ means ‘daan’ (donation).
Second ‘da’ is for celestial gods. They are endowed with power and they live in heaven enjoying sensual gratification. For them ‘da’ means ‘Damaya’ (curb your sense – gratification).
Third ‘da’ was for demons. They torture others ruthlessly. They need to increase mercy in their hearts. For them ‘da’ means daya or mercy.
So for humans the only way to attain their goal of life is to donate.
प्रकट चारि पद धर्म के, कलि महँ एक प्रधान । येने केन विधि दीनेउ दान करे कल्यान ॥ |
"There are four pillars of Vedic living, out of those there is one prominent one. In Kaliyug, donating is the only path way to benediction".
The most important part of religion is to give alms. And Lord Krishna cautioned Arjun,
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम ॥
गीता 17.20
Donation should be offered to the right spiritual person to get the desired spiritual benefit.
Donation should be given to a proper place at a proper time and to a God-realized saint to get proper recompense of your alms.
Charity provided to a person of demonic mode or purpose (tamasi mode) results in hellish sufferings. Charity given to an ordinary (rajasi mode) human being or organization etc. gives material benefit or mortal world. If charity is given to an intellectually and morally (sattvik mode) elevated person or cause, provides higher gratification of heaven. Yet, as all these three modes belong to Maya (Tamas, Rajas, Sattvic), the donor remains under the control of Maya and ultimately suffers the bondage of Maya. Donation given to a saint or for some divine purpose results in a divine benefit and brings the jeev closer to God.
Thus, before making a donation it is imperative to think and who we are offering the donation to and what will be the outcome. What if one donates without thinking through and the recipient misused the donated money or goods! ! Scriptures say even though donating is a philanthropic act; the donor will have to bear the negative outcome.
The human form of life is rarest of the rare. Contemplate! Only 7 billion humans inhabit this planet, whereas 7 billion micro organisms can be found in a one foot deep pothole.
Saints and religious scriptures advice to make this human life worthwhile, as one can attain the ultimate goal only in a human form. That is why it is desired even by the celestial Gods.
Second, this human form is temporary. We do not know when this human form will be taken away from us in the form of death. Death can come any time.
Hence, constantly remember God each and every moment of your life. Do not spend the precious moments of your life in pursuing bigger income and increasing your bank balance. A big bank balance will not help get rid of your sufferings. Take refuge in the names of God only.
