Is The Act Of Giving, A Duty, Or A Charity?

 

Is The Act Of Giving, A Duty, Or A Charity?

From the book of Speaking tree

The Brihadaryanka Upanishad  posits the concept of dana, the practice of charity, as one of the three fundamental attributes to be cultivated for a virtuous life, along with damah, self-restraint, and daya, com passion for all. This notion of giving and sharing is postulated as vital, not only to the development of one's achara, moral conduct in society, but as a spiritual prod to transform the self-absorbed “I” into the expansive all-inclusive Self.

Indic traditions see dana as an act of dharma, in accordance with the path of righteousness, which has spiritual value. The Sikh scriptures call it Vand Chhakho. It is one of the three cardinal tenets of the Sikh faith. It is about sharing what one has with others, be it wealth or food. The concept of langar, community kitchen in gurudwaras, is inspired by this principle.

The Sikh canon encourages its followers to contribute a portion of their wealth, or income too, to others in need, or for a noble cause.

 Even as the eastern traditions see  dana within a spiritual context, western thoughts puts the principle of the ethics of giving within a charity-duty matrix.The Metaphysics of Morals.

 

The citizens of the richer nations are morally obligated to contribute part of their incomes to charities to help alleviate poverty and third world hunger as said.

 

The Indic paradigm weaves this concept of charity within a religious- spiritual framework, exhorting all to distribute their wealth rather than hoard it, for nobody takes anything along at the time of death. The act of giving will rekindle the human instinct of love and kindness and compassion for all, the 'categorical imperative behind commemorating the International Day of Charity.

Giving happiness to others without being expecting anything in return is true act for everyman’s moral duty.