Charity!

 

Mārkandeya Rsi continued telling stories:

 

Once King Yayāti, son of Nahusa, was seated upon his throne when a Brāhmanā came. After being welcomed by the king, he said: I wish to ask for some wealth on behalf of my guru. However, I’m only willing to accept your gift on condition that you describe your feelings at the time of giving it. It’s commonly found that when one is requested to give something in charity, he feels contempt for person who asks for it

 

King Yayāti replied: I feel great happiness when I give charity to Brāhmanās. I never lament at having lost what I’ve given, nor do I feel any hatred for person to whom I’ve given it. Indeed, I feel highly aggrieved when I find myself unable to fulfill brāhmanā’s request. Thus, I refuse to even listen to an appeal for charity that I know I can’t give. Yayāti then happily gave 1000 cows to brāhmanā, who was very satisfied with his ambrosial words & accepted the gift

 

There was once a king named Astaka, who was a descendent in line of Visvāmitra. After performing asvamedha-yagya, the king returned home on his chariot accompanied by his 3 brothers-Pratardana, Vasumāna & Sibi. While going, they met sage Nārada & invited him to come onto their chariot, thinking it is good opportunity to inquire from him

 

After the sage was comfortably seated, one of the brothers asked: O sage! All 4 of us are certainly very pious rulers. Now, pls tell us, who amongst us will be the first to fall after attaining heavenly destinations that await us after death?

 

Sage said: Astaka will be first to fall from heaven. Reason: Some time back, I spent few days as guest in Astaka’s palace. One day as I drove out of city accompanying him on his chariot, I noticed many cows grazing by roadside. When I enquired about them, king proudly told me how he had given the cows in charity. It is because he had praised himself for his pious act, Astaka will be first to fall

 

Pratardana will be 2nd to fall. Reason: Once I spent some time as guest in his palace. One day as I accompanied him, a brāhmanā approached & asked for a horse in charity. In reply the king said, he would give the horse as soon as he returns to his palace. The Brāhmanā urgently requested the king not to wait & so the king unharnessed one of the 4 horses pulling his chariot & gave it to him. Subsequently 3 more brāhmanās came & the king unyoked remaining 3 horses & gave it all to them

 

Pratardana then yoked himself to chariot, but as he began to pull it, he sarcastically remarked: Well, I guess I’ve nothing left to give to Brāhmanās. It is because of this comment that Pratardana will be 2nd to fall from heaven

 

After hearing this one of the remaining 2 brothers, Vasumāna & Sibi asked: Dear Sage! Between us who will be the next to fall from heaven?

 

Purity of charity is not only what & how much we give but the intention with which we give. Krsna says:

 

dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ’nupakāriṇe
deśe kāle ca pātre ca tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛtam

 

Charity given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person is considered to be in the mode of goodness

 

Charity should always be given to a person engaged in spiritual activities. Indiscriminate charity without any consideration is not advisable

 

Thoughts? #gameoflife

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