Saturday 9 August 2014

24. Listen to Heart – Practice Living for Alms Giving rather Living on Alms Living…..

Hari Bol....

24. Listen to Heart – Practice Living for Alms Giving rather Living on Alms Living…..


Alms is a word which we understand for giving something to someone for free. Alms or almsgiving involves giving to others as an act of virtue, either materially or in the sense of providing capabilities (i. e. education) for free. Sometimes may not be free because in return a service is provided.

It is understandable in a culture where there is a compelling standard of self-reliance and independence to mistrust the aims behind alms mendicancy - living on the generosity of others. A contemplative’s sole aim is to awaken. This means to understand how suffering is created and to create the conditions whereby suffering and stress ends. In dedicating one’s life to this goal, one is then in a position to share that understanding with others who are interested. It is universally true that there is suffering and stress in our lives and our world and that everyone wants to be happy. When one examines the myriad ways individuals suffer and experience stress, in many instances it becomes clear that the cause of suffering isn’t how things are but how one is relating to how things are. When one looks further, it is the desire for things to be a certain way or to get rid of certain things that perpetuates stress. When one realizes the role that desire plays with suffering, understanding one’s relationship with it is central if one’s goal is awakening. In establishing alms mendicancy as the sole means by which this particular order of contemplatives may obtain their livelihood, one does away with the need for a central organizing committee to oversee the integrity, commitment and way of valuing what is being offered. If the local community doesn’t feel the monastics are living with integrity, if they feel that the way that they live and the effect of drawing near to them has no value, people simply do not support them. When there are people who live with a high level of honesty, harmlessness, and restraint and experience compassion, joy and peace independent of outside circumstances, many are in a position to benefit from drawing near.


It exists in a number of religions and regions. I was going through an article on Google, which I would like to share as how Alms or almsgiving is a way in all religions.



In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist to a Buddhist monk, nun, spiritually-developed person or other sentient being. It is not charity. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual realm and to show humbleness and respect in the presence of the secular society. The act of alms giving assists in connecting the human to the monk or nun and what he/she represents. In Buddhism, both "almsgiving" and, more generally, "giving" are called "dana". The belief in Buddhism is that the more a person gives – and the more one gives without seeking something in return – the wealthier one will become.  By giving one destroys those acquisitive impulses that ultimately lead to further suffering. Generosity is also expressed towards other sentient beings as both a cause for merit and to aid the receiver of the gift. In Buddhism, giving of alms is the beginning of one's journey to Nirvana (Pali: nibbana). In practice, one can give anything with or without thought for Nibbana. This would lead to faith (Pali: saddha), one key power (Pali: bala) that one should generate within oneself for the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha. The motives behind giving play an important role in developing spiritual qualities. The suttas record various motives for exercising generosity. As per Pali canon: Of all gifts (alms), the gift of Dhamma is the highest.


·        Buddha stated; “Householders & the homeless or charity (monastics)
in mutual dependence both reach the true Dhamma....”


In Christianity, the giving of 'alms' is an act of charity toward those less fortunate. In the Apostolic age, Christians were taught that giving alms was an expression of love which was first expressed by God to them in that Jesus sacrificed himself as an act of love for the salvation of believers. The offertory is the traditional moment in Roman Catholic Mass, Anglican Eucharist, and Lutheran Divine Services when alms are collected. Some groups, such as Baptists or Methodists, also engage in alms, although it is more commonly referred to as "tithes and offerings" by the church. Some fellowships practice regular giving for special purposes called Love Offerings for the poor, victims of catastrophic loss such as home fires or medical expenses. Traditionally, Deacons and Deaconesses are responsible for distributing these gifts among widows, orphans, and others in need. Many Christians support charitable organizations. In the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Eastern Catholic Churches, the collection of alms and tithes has not been formally united to the offertory in any liturgical action. However, either having a collection plate or passing it unobtrusively during the service is not uncommon. In Orthodox theology, almsgiving is an important part of the spiritual life, and fasting should always be accompanied by increased prayer and almsgiving. Almsgiving in the name of the deceased also frequently accompanies prayer for the dead. Those whose financial circumstances do not permit the giving of monetary alms may give alms in other ways, such as intercessory prayer and acts of mercy. In the majority of Christian forms of worship and denominations, a collection of "tithes and offerings" is given for the support of the church's mission, budget, ministry, and for its relief of the poor, as an important act of Christian charity, united to communal prayer. In some churches the "offering plate" or "offering basket" is placed upon the altar, as a sign that the offering is made to God, and a sign of the bond of Christian love. In addition, private acts of charity, considered virtuous only if not done for others to admire, are seen as a Christian duty.


·        Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. - Matthew

·        Giving of the rich versus the poor; Here Jesus contrasts the giving of the rich and the poor: He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, 'Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on.' - Luke


In Hinduism; Alms means Bhiksha and Karmkand. Bhiksha is a devotional offering, usually food, presented at a temple or to a swami or a religious Brahmin who in turn provides a religious service (karmkand) or instruction. According to Vasishtha Samhitha (Chapter XXIX):

1.     Through Alms giving to poor one obtains all his desires
2.     Even longevity, (and he is born again as) a student of the Veda, possessed of beauty.
3.     He who abstains from injuring (sentient beings) obtains heaven.
4.     By entering a fire the world of Brahman (is gained).
5.     By (a vow of) silence (he obtains) happiness.
6.     By staying (constantly) in water he becomes a lord of elephants.
7.     He who expends his hoard (in gifts) becomes free from disease.
8.     A giver of water (becomes) rich by (the fulfillment of) all his desires.
9.     A giver of food (will have) beautiful eyes and a good memory.
10.                        He who gives a promise to protect (somebody) from all dangers (becomes) wise.
11.                        (To bestow gifts) for the use of cows (is equal to) bathing at all sacred places.
12.                        By giving a couch and a seat (the giver becomes) master of a harem.
13.                        By giving an umbrella (the giver) obtains a house.
14.                        He who gives a House to a poor family obtains a town
15.                        He who gives a pair of Shoes obtains a vehicle.
16.                        Now they quote also (the following verses): Whatever sin a man distressed for livelihood commits, (from that) he is purified by giving land, (be it) even "a bull's hide".
17.                        He, who gives to a Brahman guest a vessel filled with water for sipping, will obtain after death complete freedom from thirst and be born again as a drinker of Soma.
18.                        If a gift of one thousand oxen fit to draw a carriage (has been bestowed) according to the rule on a perfectly worthy man, that is equal to giving a maiden.
19.                        They declare that cows, land, and learning are the three most excellent gifts. For to give learning is (to bestow) the greatest of all gifts, and it surpasses those (other gifts).
20.                        A learned man who, free from envy, follows this rule of conduct which procures endless rewards and which through final liberation frees him from transmigration.
21.                        Or who, full of faith, pure, and subduing his senses, remembers or even hears it, will, freed from all sin, be exalted in the highest heaven.
Inspired by Hinduism, Acharya Vinoba Bhave started The Bhoodan movement (Hindi: भूदान, Urdu: بھودان).




According to Puranas the benefits of charity are;
1. Vishnu Purana
·         By Making a Well – One becomes prosperous.
2. Agni Purana
·         To decorate a Kapila cow – One gets limitless fruits. The donator becomes wealthy and prosperous.
·         By donating a vehicle – One gets benefits of a Rajsurya Yagya.
·         By donating a tooth brush – One becomes very fortunate.
·         The Thread (Upanayana) – One gets benefits of donating clothes.
·         By donating secretly – One becomes free from all sins and attains heaven, destroying all enemies.
·         By donating a conch – One becomes successful.
3. Brahma Purana
·         By donating camphor, sandalwood, precious gems, ornaments, and/or musk the person gains fortune and attains salvation (Moksha).
4. Nursingh Purana
·         By giving knowledge – The person becomes egoless.
5. Aditya Purana
·         By donating gold – One makes the Gods happy.
·         By donating silver – One makes Lord Shiva happy.
·         By donating Food and Land – One makes Lord Vishnu happy.
·         By donating Ghee, porridge, clothes – One makes the moon god happy.
·         By donating Mustard Oil, Jaggery, Red Moong Lentils, touching feet of elder brothers – One neutralizes Malific effect of Mars.
·         By donating Rice, Silver, Sugar, Flour, respecting Mother – One neutralizes Malific effect of Moon.
·         By donating Blanket, Iron, Black Sesame, Mustard Oil, Black Cloths, respecting or giving to your employees, servants also – Neutralizes Malific effects of Saturn.
6. Padma Purana
·         By donating Ghee, Food and a Pot – One becomes fearless.
·         By donating a water pot along with gold and sesame – One becomes free from sin.
·         By donating Fuel (Gas Chulha) – One's digestion power increases.
·         By donating Medicine, Oil – One is free from ailments, gets long life and becomes happy.
·         By donating Different types of grains – One gets to stay for a thousand years in a Chandralok. He/she is born into a noble clan on earth. He has an abundance of food.
Hindu scriptures say that every human being is born owing five important debts: debt to God, debt to Ancestors, debt to Humankind, debt to Guests, debt to Animals and plants (or debt to Nature) and they must repay those karmic debts during their lifetime.
·         Debt to the God for their blessings: paid by rituals and offerings.
·         Debt to Ancestors and teachers: paid by supporting them, having children of one's own and passing along knowledge.
·         Debt to Guests: repaid by treating them as if they were gods visiting one's home.
·         Debt to Mankind (manushyarun): Mutual co-operation and serving others can help to repay this debt to mankind- such as giving money, clothes, shelter and land, to poor people, giving food and water to hungry people and helping orphans-or any other help that is appropriate.
The fifth debt to the cosmic elements and everything that arises out of them (bhutrun) means debt to Nature — a person is indebted to plants, trees, birds, animals and nature (called Bhuta Rin) — repaid by offering good will, food, water, or any other help that is appropriate.
Repaying these five debts, called pancha-maha-yajna, is compulsory in Hinduism. By these five yajna the worshipper places himself in correct relations with God, ancestors, spirits, men, the organic creation, nature and himself.


In Islam, the concept of charitable giving is generally divided into voluntary giving, or Sadaqah and the Zakat, an obligatory practice governed by a specific set of rules within Islamic jurisprudence, and intended to fulfill a well-defined set of theological and social requirements. For that reason, while Zakat plays a much larger role within Islamic charity, Sadaqah is possibly formulations of the notion of 'alms'. Zakat is the third of the five pillars of Islam. Various rules attach to the practice but, in general terms, it is obligatory to give 2.5% of one's savings and business revenue and 5–10% of one's harvest to the poor. Possible recipients include the destitute, the working poor, those who are unable to pay off their own debts, stranded travelers and others who need assistance, with the general principle of zakaah always being that the rich should pay it to the poor. One of the most important principles of Islam is that all things belong to God and, therefore, wealth is held by human beings in trust. The literal meaning of the word Zakat is "to purify", "to develop" and "cause to grow". According to Shariah it is an act of worship. Our possessions are purified by setting aside a proportion for those in need. This cutting back, like the pruning of plants, balances and encourages new growth. Zakat is the amount of money that every adult, mentally stable, free, and financially able Muslim, male or female, has to pay to support specific categories of people. This category of people is defined in surah at-Taubah (9) verse 60: "The alms are only for the poor and the needy, and those who collect them and those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to free the captives and the debtors, and for the cause of Allah, and (for) the wayfarers; a duty imposed by Allah. Allah is knower, Wise." (The Holy Qur'an 9:60). The obligatory nature of Zakat is firmly established in the Qur'an, the Sunnah (or hadith), and the consensus of the companions and the Muslim scholars. Allah states in Surah at-Taubah verses 34–35: "O ye who believe! There are indeed many among the priests and anchorites, who in Falsehood devour the substance of men and hinder (them) from the way of Allah. And there are those who bury gold and silver and spend it not in the way of Allah. Announce unto them a most grievous penalty – On the Day when heat will be produced out of that (wealth) in the fire of Hell, and with it will be branded their foreheads, their flanks, and their backs, their flanks, and their backs.- "This is the (treasure) which ye buried for yourselves: taste ye, then, the (treasures) ye buried!" (The Holy Qur'an 9:34–35). Muslims of each era have agreed upon the obligatory nature of paying Zakat for gold and silver, and from those the other kinds of currency. Zakat is obligatory when a certain amount of money, called the nisab is reached or exceeded. Zakat is not obligatory if the amount owned is less than this nisab. The nisab (or minimum amount) of gold and golden currency is 20 mithqal, approximately 85 grams of pure gold. One mithqal is approximately 4.25 grams. The nisab of silver and silver currency is 200 dirhams, which is approximately 595 grams of pure silver. The nisab of other kinds of money and currency is to be scaled to that of gold; the nisab of money is equivalent to the price of 85 grams of 999-type (pure) gold, on the day in which Zakat is paid. Zakat is obligatory after the money has been in the control of its owner for the span of one lunar year. Then the owner needs to pay 2.5% (or 1/40) of the money as Zakat. (A lunar year is approximately 355 days). The owner should deduct any amount of money he or she borrowed from others; then check if the rest reaches the necessary nisab, then pays Zakat for it. If the owner had enough money to satisfy the nisab at the beginning of the year, but his wealth in any form increased, the owner needs to add the increase to the nisab amount owned at the beginning of the year, then pay Zakat, 2.5%, of the total at the end of the lunar year. There are minor differences in Fiqh School on how this is to be calculated. Each Muslim calculates his or her own Zakat individually. For most purposes, this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one's capital. A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as sadaqa, and does so preferably in secret. Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity' it has a wider meaning. The Prophet said 'Even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity.'


The Prophet said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim.' He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity.' The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good.' The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'He should check himself from doing evil. That is also charity.'


In Judaism, tzedakah - a Hebrew term literally meaning righteousness but commonly used to signify charity - refers to the religious obligation to do what is right and just. Contemporary tzedakah is regarded as a continuation of the Biblical Maaser Ani, or poor-tithe, as well as Biblical practices including permitting the poor to glean the corners of a field, harvest during the Shmita (Sabbatical year), and other practices. Tzedakah, along with prayer and repentance, is regarded as ameliorating the consequences of bad acts. Tzedakah (charity) is seen as one of the greatest deeds that man can do. The bible states that Jews must give at least 10% of their income to the poor. Jewish farmers are also commanded to leave the corners of their fields for the starving to harvest for food and are forbidden to pick up any grain that has been dropped during harvesting, as such food shall be left for the starving as well. Famous Jewish scholar and sage Maimonides has been noted for creating a list of charity, with the most righteous form being allowing an individual to become self-sustaining and capable of giving others charity.
·        Giving begrudgingly
·        Giving less than you should, but giving it cheerfully.
·        Giving after being asked
·        Giving before being asked
·        Giving when you do not know the recipient's identity, but the recipient knows your identity
·        Giving when you know the recipient's identity, but the recipient doesn't know your identity
·        Giving when neither party knows the other's identity
·        Enabling the recipient to become self-reliant


I personally believe in practicing of alms giving but right or wrong I do not practice alms giving with the persons who are physically fit enough to earn his living. There are certain people who make alms taking as a profession. You will find children practicing asking for alms. I generally tell them, “You come along with me I would put you in some activity by which you can earn your living with grace”. You would find them running away or giving you back replies may be with some un-parliament language or words. I do not encourage this as I feel it should be discouraged from the society. This way of alms taking and giving is negative and it gives negative vibrations in the surrounding. But one should always do some alms giving to the needy. Humanity is to help the needy. We should help orphans. We should help people for their medical aids. In our society, father of a daughter is supposed to give dowry. One should help in marriage of a girl. I treat taking dowry is alms taking.


As per Arjuna thought - It would be better to live in this world by begging than to live at the cost of the lives of great souls who are my teachers. Even though desiring worldly gain, they are superiors. If they are killed, everything we enjoy will be tainted with blood.


According to scriptural codes, a teacher who engages in an abominable action and has lost his sense of discrimination is fit to be abandoned. Bhishma and Drona were obliged to take the side of Duryodhana because of his financial assistance, although they should not have accepted such a position simply on financial considerations. Under the circumstances, they have lost the respectability of teachers. But Arjuna thinks that nevertheless they remain his superiors, and therefore to enjoy material profits after killing them would mean to enjoy spoils tainted with blood. So according to Arjana it was better indeed to live on alms in this world rather than to slay the most noble teachers and respectful elders and relatives. This thought of his was from personal angle and not as a Khashatriya. He forgot the mission underlying the righteous war. The mention of enjoyments of wealth and desires betrays his inner fealings. The reference to enjoyment contrasts with the thought of ‘Living of Alms’. Arjuna had not reached the level of renunciation, so his thoughts of living on alms were due to fear of blood that would be stained. It was his guilty conscience and his words reveal his fear from within.


All Glories to Lord Krishna & All His Loving Devotees….. Hari Bol……
Courtesy : www.google.com - Awakening Truth - Alms Mendicancy & Alams, Bhagavad-Gita As It Is (by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada ) ,  Srimad Bhagavad-Gita ( by A. Parthasarathy  & www.gitadaily.com ) Chapter 2 : Text 5

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