To Give or Not To Give

May 24

One of the verses of the mystic poet and saint Kabir of Kashi, respected equally by Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims for his verses was as under:

जो जल बाढ़े नाव में, घर में बाढ़ै दाम
दोनों हाथ उलीचिये, यही सयानों का काम

It means, "When the wealth in the house increases, or when water fills a boat, it's wise to throw them out with both hands."

Why? Because wealth, after exceeding the limit of necessity becomes counterproductive. Excess of anything is bad, but when it comes to wealth, we go on amassing it by hook or by crook. The result is before all of us.

We come empty-handed and will go as such, but the pleasure for which the money is earned remains elusive. A few people go on saving for a better future of their progenies. But there is a popular saying,

पूत कपूत तो क्यों धन संचय
पूत सपूत तो क्यों धन संचय

That means, "If the son is a worthless son, why money should be saved for him, as he will throw the same for wrongdoings. And even if the son is worthy one, why money should be accumulated for him, as he himself would be capable to earn enough."

But the question is how much should we provide for our heirs. The answer has been beautifully given by Warren Buffett, the most successful investor of the 20th century:

"One should leave the kids enough to do anything, but not enough to do nothing".

So the excess amount should be given for philanthropy and related activities, as a number of top industrialists have realised and started doing it.

The amount is immaterial. Give as much as you can! It's not only the money that can be given. It could be a flower or even a smile. It's not how much one gives but how one gives that really matters.

But whatever is given, it must be given with heart. There was a poor man travelling in a bus. Whenever a new passenger boarded the bus, he would stand and offer his seat. A fellow passenger asked him why he was doing so every time. He calmly replied, "I have nothing else to give."

I have seen people giving help with pomp and show with due publicity in the media. It's true with banks and reputed corporates too, who have to do some community service activities every year, without realising the feelings of receivers in such functions.

It's always better to give quietly with grace and with a feeling of gratitude. It should be ensured that the receiver does not feel humiliated, nor the giver feels proud by giving. 'Let not your left hand know what your right hand gives.' Charity without publicity and fanfare is the highest form of charity.

And the time to act, to give is now. Who has seen tomorrow?

Remember, rivers do not drink their own water, nor do trees eat their own fruits, nor do rain clouds eat the grains reared by them. The wealth of the noble needs therefore to be utilised for the benefit of others.