In
times when we have an influx of information with being technologically
advanced, particularly in times when we are facing natural calamities and
global warming is wrecking havoc. We are forgetting the basic values we grew up
with. When someone is drowning a straw is a huge help, however we are stopping
people from extending that small insignificant straw to save the drowning
person. To help someone is a instant act, it does not require thought. Being
reluctant or thoughtful in that instant act takes away the essence of Charity. Charity
is a selfless act of giving, however the attitude with which one gives makes
it sattvik, rajasik or tamasik. The trigunas or
the three gunas are called: sattva (goodness, constructive, harmonious), rajas
(passion, active, confused), and tamas (darkness, destructive, chaotic).The
Trigunas exist in every person in variying proportions, how you bring out or
feed these gunas make your personality from who you are to who you really want
to be. It is important to pursue positivity, because the intent is what counts
the result will come, being judgemental does not help any cause. Charity should
see the need not the cause or effect.
Charity
is to give out of compassion, a desire to share, a need to help, a sense of
duty towards society or being motivated by the sheer joy of giving. Sattvik charity
is given with complete faith in the cause supported, with modesty and
generosity, promptly and when needed, to the right people at the right time,
for noble causes and with humility. The receiver is given due respect while
giving and one feels privileged for being given a chance to serve and help
others. Such an attitude gives a sense of fulfillment, purifies the mind,
reduces our sense of possession towards objects, corrects our attitude towards
hoarding and increases our compassion and sensitivity towards others.
Rajasik charity
is to give after being asked or when forced to give. Many allow themselves to
be pressurized into giving donations for charity shows. Some give with a
selfish motive of expectation of future repayment or to maintain the goodwill
of another. Examples are tipping servants, postmen etc. during festivals. Some
only make promises or some give to gain publicity, power or position. Others
give what is extra, useless or after being reminded many times. Some give
little but talk of it endlessly. A rajasik person gives and regrets,
gives with the pain of loss, gives out of compulsion or is miserly in giving.
The person therefore does not gain the true joy and fulfillment of giving.
Tamasik charity
is to give to undeserving or ignoble causes such as giving drugs to a poor
friend. A tamasik person may give things which are useless to him or
prove unusable or useless to the receiver, like winter clothes to children in
the tropics. He or she disrespects, insults, scorns, makes fun of or looks down
upon the receiver. He or she ignores all etiquette in giving. Such giving is
not born from compassion or sensitivity nor does it foster these qualities – it
is not even a meritorious act.
A good deed should be like
the rain, it drops everywhere without any discrimination. Use your voice for kindness, use your ears for
compassion, your hands for charity, your mind for truth and your heart for love.
