Yajna,
daana and tapas are the inseparable
notes of dharma. Being a Dharmaacaarya, our
aim is not only to benefit the poor but to spread
the message and spirit of daana-dharma in
society. It is the sense of sharing in the mind of
people that we wanted to cultivate through Daana.
The more you give the more
you get, is a celebrated saying. This apart, daana
purifies and sanctifies one’s wealth however
meager or huge it may be. It safeguards the wealth
and their descendants from being spendthrifts and
victims of decadence and destruction due to wrong
ways of spending. It preserves wealth by fostering
generosity. It begets a blessing that passes on to
the ensuing generations.
It
is the giver who should feel grateful that there are
people to receive his charity. In fact, charity is a
misnomer. It definitely carries the undercurrent of
a sense of superiority. The concept of Daana
has a far greater magnitude and nobility of purpose.
Humility
has to be the watchword. Prayerfulness must grace
the mind. Thankfulness must be the attitude.
Equality, impartiality, must be the canvas of
vision.
I
only wish that the message of Daana permeates
larger circles. Tax is something levied by the
Government through law. No body has an option in
this regard. But daana is something one gives
heartily to others, outside blood and matrimonial
relationships, requesting the recipients to make use
of it in their life. By so doing, the giver, say the
scriptures, will feel immense satisfaction. This
kind of voluntary sharing of wealth is far different
from the payment of taxes.
As
long as the disparity in the society prevails, and
the primary needs of people are not met, we will
surely need daana to continue.
Pibanti
nadyah svayam-eva na-ambhah
Svayam na
khaadanti phalaani vrikshaah
Na-adanti sasyam khalu vaarivaahaah
Paropakaaraaya sataam vibhootayah
"Do
the rivers ever drink their own water? So too the
trees do not eat their own fruits. Do the clouds
that shed rain ever eat the herbs and grains that
grow after their shower? Resources of the noble are,
likewise, meant for benefiting other."
May daana-dharma
enrich, empower and bless all of you.
