A virtue called giving

Charity is an integral part of a civilised society. 'Dana' is a familiar feature of Hindu rituals. Besides 'Anna Dana' or feeding others which is considered 'Shreshtha Dana', many other types of giving to various categories of persons dot our rituals related to the different stages of life from birth till death. Gifts, in keeping one's capacity and status, are exchanged during festivals and family functions. All religions persuade their members to part with a portion of their possessions as a part of moral duty.

Religious charities, social charities and to some extent, familial ones are duty bound. There is that category who make service to others the mission of their lives. They are guided by their own intuitions and humanitarian concerns. They do not discriminate against their beneficiaries on the basis of sex, caste, creed, religion or region.

The virtue of giving is a beautiful combination of human qualities like compassion, sacrifice, selflessness and magnanimity. Giving and sharing are a way of bonding with others. It is a rare quality to find in contemporary society driven by the possessive urge.

Gauging the needs of the beneficiaries and their genuineness prevents misplaced concerns and wastage of resources. Every act of giving should be case-based rather than for the sake of just giving.

Charity to flaunt one's wealth kills the very spirit of the virtue. It could also land one in a mess when unscrupulous and undeserving people start fleecing one. Certain amount of secrecy in such matters pays off. It is rightly said "The left hand should not know what the right gives."

Expecting paybacks or even gratitude from your beneficiaries takes the joy out of giving.

As Lord Krishna said in Bhagavad Gita, do not think about the fruit of your actions. So too, do not pin hopes or claims on what you have willingly parted with.

Getting a helping hand in life is not in every one's destiny. Every beneficiary thanks his stars for this and tries to repay what he has received in life. Create a chain by extending the help you got to as many deserving as possible for it just requires an extended arm for another to hold on to, to turn this world into a paradise!