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

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Image
  Never Fall down!   Arjun released an Agni weapon that brightly lit up entire sky. Karna invoked a Varuna weapon that quenched the fire by creating clouds with a Vayavya weapon & then released a favourite weapon of Indra that made thousands of arrows issues forth from his G ā ndiva bow   While being pierced all over, Karna countered Aindra weapon with a Bh ārgava weapon & proceeded to kill many of the foremost Pāncāla warriors. Seeing this, Bhima’s anger blazed up like fire. He chastised his brother by saying: O Arjun, how can you allow these great warriors to be killed within your very sight? Please remember how Karna had insulted Draupadi? Give up your indifference & kill him without delay!   Sri Krsna said: Dear Arjun, you must exert your full prowess now, if need be, you can take help from my Sudarshan Cakra!   After momentarily considering the purpose of his appearance in this world, Arjun replied: Lord, with your permission as ...
Read more
Image
  Make or break!   When Salya agreed to drive Karna’s chariot only on condition that he must be allowed to speak freely whatever he likes, Duryodhana and Karna readily agreed & thus a contract was made. Duryodhana flattered Salya by comparing him to Lord Brahmā, who formerly became Shiva’s charioteer at the time of destroying Tripura   Duryodhana concluded his long talk by saying: Dear Salya, Parasurāma delivered the entire science of weapons to Karna. Therefore, we must intelligently conclude that Karna cannot really be a sutā’s son. He must be the offspring of a demigod born in a Kshatriya family & then abandoned at infancy. Otherwise, why would Parasurāma agreed to instruct him in the complete use of weapons?   Salya replied: I have heard on numerous occasions the story of how Lord Brahmā became Lord Siva’s charioteer. You should not place so much faith in your plans, because even if Arjun is killed, Sri Krsna will exterminate the entire Kaurav...
Read more
Image
Grudge-The heaviest thing to hold! Asvattāma hurriedly yoked horses to his chariot & set out, as Krpa & Krtvarma anxiously followed him. He soon arrived at Pāndava camp & saw a gigantic being with enormous head with flames emanating from his eyes, nose, ear & mouth   Asvattāma fearlessly attacked that awesome being with his celestial weapons but failed in all his attempt. He thought to himself: Krpa had warned me that persons who don’t listen to their elders must lament later. The frustration of my attempt must be due to its inherently sinful nature. I wonder who is this astonishing being that has defeated me. Obviously further exertion on my part will be useless until my destiny is favourable. Let me now take shelter of my worshipful Lord Siva & seek his guidance   Asvattāma got down from his chariot & fervently prayed to Lord Siva offering his body, mind & soul. Lord Siva personally appeared & smilingly said: Dear Asvattāma, there is...
Read more