Charity - From A Sense Of Abundance

Charity must come from one's sense of abundance. True charity springs from a sense of oneness between the giver and the recipient. Unless one is able to identify oneself with others, one will not feel the noble urge to share one's possessions with others. Thus charity is born out of an urge to restrain one's instincts of acquisition and aggrandizement, and to replace these with a spirit of sacrifice.

In the name of charity many a things are ordinarily done which destroys both the giver and the recipient. Therefore gifts should be given in accordance with certain ethical norms. Gifts should be given with faith. We can have faith only in what we understand to be right. Therefore charity is acceptable only when it follows our independent, intellectual beliefs and convictions. Unless we are convinced about the nobility and unless we have come to a correct and independent judgement of the worthinees of a cause, charity should not be practiced. Every benefactor has the right to inquire into the cause that he is trying to patronize.

Again, a miserly giving will not benefit either the giver or the receiver and, it is said in our scriptures, having come to judge a cause as worthy, give it your entire patronage. "Give in plenty, with both hands give." Also, charity must be given with modesty, avoiding feelings of egotism and vanity. It must be given with sympathy which comes from having surrendered to a higher alter. Sympathy generates love in us, and unless this love element predominates and compels us to seek and identify with the cause, we will not spiritually evolve along the path of charity. Charity constricts the heart and obstructs human growth if it is not honeyed with the spirit and the joy of identification.
- Swami Chinmayananda

 

If you are inspired by the work we do, we seek your support and encouragement. Please contribute generously and become a part of our vision to promote and accomplish various projects like:

Construction of a Sivalaya, the first Siva temple to be built in Houston

Imparting spiritual education through classes for children and youth

Disseminating spiritual education through interactive multimedia CD-ROMs

Organizing Hindu camps and retreats

Planning Indian festivals and celebrations

Your generosity is appreciated.

Send your contributions to:
Chinmaya Mission Houston
PO Box 521
Sugar Land, TX 77487