Swami Tejomayananda

There are two schools of thought regarding charity. One says give freely, without judging whether a person is fit or not. This emulates from nature: the sun, moon, rivers, and tress all give of themselves with no concern for the recipient.

One day Maharaja Ranjit Singh was sitting under a mango tree when a stone hit him. Though unhurt, his soldiers apprehended the culprit and she was brought before the king. She said, “O Maharaja, I was hungry and I threw the stone to strike down a mango. By mistake it hit your majesty. Please forgive me.” The king dismissed her and gave her money to buy food. But people could not understand this kindness to one who threw a stone at him. The king gave a beautiful answer: “Suppose her stone had hit the tree, it would have given her fruit. I am a human being and I should be better than a tree.”

The second school of thought advises that we give with discrimination. Even the Gita says that one should choose the right time and place and give to a deserving recipient. There is a conflict between the two views. What is the solution? For one who has realized his oneness with the totality of the universe, there is no distinction; that person sees no difference between himself and others.

But all those who have not realized their oneness with the Self, only see differences and so doubts arise. If the mind has misgivings about whether certain persons or institutions deserve financial help, then it is better to be convinced first and then give. Giving should give joy both to the giver as well as the receiver. The receiver should not feel pressured or obligated.

Charity is of many kinds. It includes giving of food, money, and knowledge, but the greatest gift is to make a person fearless. Swami Chinmayananda said: “Be generous like God in giving and also in forgiving. God gives and forgives. Man gets and forgets.”

(332 words)