In the modern world we are surrounded by a subtle pressure of doing "Acts of kindness" as charity. We are constantly bombarded with social media Ads that show human / animal sufferings and aim to influence potential donors. Images of suffering children, elderly, innocent young animals etc are powerful and they disturb our emotional state. Even models such as 'Pay it forward' also pressurize us by making us belive we have taken somebody's favor and it is time to contribute back in some way. In most cases the only way we can ease those emotions is by making a monitory contribution to the respective organization.
And the decision of making this charity is often filled with doubts about the "truth" behind the Ads, we wonder if this is manipulative, if this genuine, what if the money does not reach the needy? and so on.
In the midst of our daily routines, social media ads often disrupt our emotional equilibrium without warning. Whether we are working or engaging in other activities, these ads can abruptly shift our focus to scenes of suffering, compelling us to switch to a different emotional state. This sudden intrusion leaves us feeling emotionally unsettled and prompting us to consider taking action to alleviate the distress we witness in these advertisements.
In the current times when some many things are brought to our notice, when all of us have the urge to do something good for others and help the needy, how do we make our choices? what should be the factors we should consider before we perform acts of "giving".
Dana is a concept in santana dharma, that will help us have the right understanding about the acts of giving. Dana is loosely mapped to charity, alms-giving and philanthropy.
Acts of charity and donations are the primary means through which followers express their faith in many world religions through the sense of piety. "Give to everyone who asks you....the righteous give generously" etc are the basis of charity in the current times.
The concept of Dana has a few things that distinguishes it from the general notion of charity.
Dana, comes from the root "Da" which stands for the "Act of giving".
This giving can range from material things to things like knowledge ( vidya dana), protection ( abhayadana) etc. No matter what is being given, in Dana, the act of giving is the fulfilment of a sacred spiritual duty. Hence it is a very methodic act.
Unlike modern charity, Dana is not solely the responsibility of the wealthy. It is a practice that can be carried out by anyone, regardless of their possessions. In the indian fabric it is common to see the beggar feeding the street dogs. The idea of Dana comes from understanding the flow of life and the role of compassion towards fellow beings. None of us carry anything with us in this flow, everything comes and goes; sometimes we facilitate a few "give and take". The act of giving is only propelled by the instincts of love, compassion and kindness; in this sense like charity even Dana is a virtue, but Dana becomes a sacred duty when it is performed as a service to the lord of life.
Dana strengthens our own dharma because Dana is a yagna in its deepest sense. In the hands of the deserving, there is burning fire and into the fire of "dire need" you make the right offering and that offering multiplies its effect and helps the needy. Your act of offering becomes sacred in the process and you gain merit by doing so.
That is why it is very important to make sure that Dana is given to the right cause / person. To stress on this point, our scriptures often say knowledge, food and Kanya must never be given to the unworthy and must never be given without being requested ( begged) for.
In the current era, the practice of Dana holds a significant place in society. It is widely believed that a portion of one's earnings obtained through honest means should be contributed to suitable causes based on individual capacity. This act serves not only to purify one's income but also to accumulate merit in one's life. However, the benefits derived from this practice hinge on two critical factors:
- The psychological state (Bhavas) in which the act of giving is carried out.
- Ensuring that the Dana is directed towards deserving recipients by carefully evaluating the organizations or individuals being supported.
There are six essential components of Dana that shape the significance of the act:
- Daata: The giver, driven by their motivations for making the donation.
- Pratigrahita: The receiver, who should be deserving of receiving the Dana.
- Deya: The object being given.
- Upakrama: The method of giving.
- Desha: The place.
- Kala: The time.
Daata: The giver's mindset is crucial during the offering. There are five key mindsets when making a Dana:
- Dharma: Viewing Dana as a virtuous act that merits blessings when given to those in need.
- Artha: Feeling obliged to give due to past help received or for potential future favors, driven by self-interest.
- Bhaya: Giving out of fear, especially when pressured by influential individuals.
- Kamana: Offering gifts to maintain relationships or expecting favors in return.
- Daya: Providing for the less fortunate out of genuine compassion.
Pratigrahita: It is essential to ensure that the recipient is suitable and deserving. Giving to unworthy causes can have adverse effects on the giver.
Deya: The value of the donation can vary, depending on the giver's capacity to give, whether small or large.
Desha and Kala: Donations should be made in a respectful manner, in a positive environment, and at an auspicious time.
There are five types of Dana with varying implications:
- Anantya: When something valuable is joyfully donated to a deserving individual.
- Mahat: Dana that encompasses all six (Daata, Pratigrahita etc...) essential components.
- Sama: Dana performed with faith and according to one's capacity.
- Hina Dana: Giving away things one does not value.
By understanding and adhering to these principles, Dana can transcend mere charity and become a sacred and meaningful practice in one's life.
In conclusion, when you feel compelled to make a charitable contribution, take the time to research and evaluate the organization to ensure their work is genuine and your donation reaches those in need for the right cause. It is essential to personally engage in your Dana Karya to avoid any oversights. Avoid using your acts of giving to boast or enhance your image; instead, treat Dana as a sacred duty and practice humility. Remember that Dana can be carried out within your local community and known networks, without the need for grand gestures. Allow the act of giving to flow naturally without pressure, trusting that the right opportunities will arise to utilize your resources effectively.
A note if we ever become the receiver -
Pratigraha: While there may be a genuine need for assistance, it is crucial to ensure that the recipient is deserving and that the giver is sincere. Even in challenging circumstances, one should not accept help from unworthy sources.
