Harmony!


Pāndavās said to Mārkandeya Rsi-Pls describe how charity should be given so that the result is meritorious


Rsi said: It’s futile to give in charity wealth that was unlawfully earned. It is also futile to give charity to person who has fallen from execution of his vows, a thief, a bogus guru, a liar, a sinful person, one who is ungrateful, or one who recites Vedas for money & one who is employed in menial service


But if one gives charity to brāhmanās with mentality devoid of fear or anger, it leads to heaven. When brāhmanās are invited for prasāda after performing srāddha ceremony, those should be excluded who’re too dark or fair in complexion, have diseased nails, are cursed or fallen, are lepers, are of illegitimate birth, are deceitful & who're professional beggars


Qualified recipient of charity is able to deliver himself as well as giver of the gift. It is meritorious to receive guests with proper respect, especially brāhmanās, than it is to offer oblations into sacred fire. One who worships brāhmanās & gives them wealth in charity never has to suffer in abode of Yamarāj


Yudhisthira was curious to hear about Yamarāj’s planet

Sage said: Abode of Yamarāj is 86000 yojanas from earth & path leading there is just like a desert-devoid of water & shade of trees. All human beings that act sinfully are forced by Yamadutās to traverse this path but those who perform pious acts are given good facilities


Those who give horses & other conveyances to brāhmanās are allowed to proceed on those. Those who give umbrellas are provided same to shield themselves from hot sun, who give food proceed without hunger & those who give drinks proceed without thirst. Those who give nice clothes can wear them while going & those who don't go naked

 

Those who give gold proceed happily decorated with ornaments & those giving land proceed with all their desires filled. Those giving cows, grains & house also proceed happily freed from all sinful reactions. Those who've fasted for 6 days proceed on chariots drawn by peacocks & those who fasted for a month go on chariots pulled by swans


In Yamarāj's abode there is a Puspodaka river, whose water is like nectar. Those who always give others water upon request can drink from that river, but sinful & miserly persons have to drink from a river of puss


Therefore, Yudhisthira you should always adore brāhmanās & give them nice gifts in charity


Dharmic rules are important for us as we are part of a whole bigger than ourselves. We just cannot follow our own whims & fancies and declare them as correct. Just as a driver, when driving a car on road must follow rules & regulations of road transport. If he doesn't, he would not only be hurting self but also be a threat for others


Dharma is what sustains one’s nature, which makes one who one is. It has universal applicability. As we are part of bigger unit-family, society, nation, world-we need to act harmoniously by performing our corresponding Dharma


Thoughts? #gameoflife

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