Kids, there's never enough money in the world. However, we may use it most effectively if we donate to those who are in need of financial assistance and are having a hard time in life. We bring cash on pilgrimages so we can offer money to beggars as alms. We will take care not to give anyone more than five rupees, having set aside monies specifically for this purpose.
Giving is meant to reduce our sense of self-interest. However, even when we give, we are frugal. Regardless of how wealthy we are, it won't last forever. Helping the hurting as much as we can is imperative. Knowing who we are donating to and what they need is a prerequisite before we can provide. Unknown beggars may receive food and clothing from us, but we never give them cash. If we give them money, they might use it for alcohol or drugs. Therefore, we are giving them an opportunity to do wrong by giving them money.
Give liberally to the old who are penniless, orphans, those unable to support themselves, and the sick who cannot afford to pay for medical care. To do so is our dharma, our obligation. However, we must take care that not fame and notoriety are our goals.
The cultural events being held in honor of the nursing home's anniversary were being enjoyed by both visitors and residents. Abruptly, a man came into the hall where the event was held and turned off every fan. He was one of the city's most well-known businessmen.
One of the residents asked him, “Why did you switch off the fans? The heat is unbearable.”
The merchant said, “I was the one who donated all the fans in this nursing home. My name is printed on them. But if the fans are whirling all the time, no one will see my name. I switched off the fans so that those attending today’s function know that I donated the fans.”
“A donation like that cannot even be considered donating. The businessman may even forfeit the spiritual merit he acquired from his donation as a result of his attitude.”
The most important thing is the giver's attitude. A wealthy man's donation is reduced to a simple business transaction when he makes it with the intention of becoming famous or pursuing some other self-serving goal.
However, when one gives—seeing God in others—at personal expense and without anticipating anything in return, the outcomes will be genuinely amazing. There there stood a magnificent statue of the great Mahatma with his arms extended in the middle of a village. These words were written on a plaque under the statue: "Come into my arms!"
The statue's arms eventually broke off. To decide what would happen to the statue, the townspeople convened. Some proposed taking it out and installing a new one in its place.
Others argued that new weapons ought to be produced.
But an old man stood up and said, “No, don’t worry about making new arms. Let it be without arms.”
What about the plaque underneath, the residents pondered? "Come into my arms!" it exclaims.
"That's no problem," the elderly man retorted. "But I have no other arms than yours," could be added right underneath the phrase "Come into my arms."
God uses our hands, our eyes, and our ears to accomplish His will. May we become perfect tools in the hands of God so that he might work through us.
