Charity has always been an integral part of spirituality. It purifies the heart, gives peace and brings us closer to the divine. However, at ISKCON temples, charity has a different dimension altogether. It is not just giving; it is about dedicating everything to Lord Krishna who is Lord Vishnu himself and the Supreme Personality of Godhead. Donation is a great way of serving his devotees and divine cause in this mortal world. Here are 7 reasons why charity holds great importance at ISKCON.
The importance of charity plays a role in ISKCON. It is believed that one does not become poor by giving charity; rather, they increase their wealth by enriching the lives of others. Charity provides one with an opportunity to help others, contribute to society, and make a positive difference in the world.
1. Importance of Charity in ISKCON
In ISKCON temples, charity is known as Seva (service). We know that everything we have is given to us by Shri Krishna. When we make a donation, all we are doing is giving back what was already his. The donations help in providing the means for the temple activities, feeding the poor, and giving others spiritual knowledge which satisfies Lord Krishna’s teachings of performing selfless service for others.
The Bhagavad Gita (17.20) states:
दातव्यम् इति यद् दानं दीयते ‘नुपकारिणे ।
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद् दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥
“Datavyam iti yad danam diyate ‘nupakarine |
Deshe kale cha patre cha tad danam sattvikam smritam |”
Translation: Charity given without expecting anything in return, at the right place and time, is considered pure.
Charity helps in prasadam distribution, maintaining the temples, and educating people about spirituality. By contributing toward these causes you become a part of Lord Krishna’s mission and help to uplift your own soul.
Charity is a selfless act, through which a person donates his or her goodwill and service to others. Charity, in the form of “dana” and “bhakti” does not just mean giving donations, materialistic objects, money etc., but it shows sacrificing one’s own desires, possessions, and beliefs for the benefit of others.
2. Why Charity is Essential in ISKCON Temples
Charity is important to maintain an ISKCON temple anywhere in the world. The ISKCON temples are more than just places of worship, they are spiritual and social hubs. People get spiritual teachings, food, and peace here. If these services are being accessed today, it is because someone gave them.
ISKCON also operates many other programs such as Food donation (prasadam seva), Education initiatives and Cultural events that help millions of people get the essence of love shown by Lord Krishna. By donating to ISKCON Charity Programs, you directly participate in spreading his divine message.
1) You will feel happy and satisfied for doing a good job.
2) You will be blessed by Lord Krishna.
3) By the mercy of Lord Krishna, you can achieve success in your life.
4) You can also be a part of saving cows.
3. Benefits of Giving Donations in ISKCON Temples
Giving donations in ISKCON temples is beneficial for both spiritual and material reasons. Charity is considered to be a purifier of the mind and heart. When you donate something with love and devotion, Lord Krishna showers his blessings on you in abundance. Your good karma helps you lead a peaceful and prosperous life.
Material benefits of charity:
- Reduces greed and attachment
- Brings peace of mind and satisfaction
- Is an asset for the progress of nation
- Absence of destitution and starvation
- Secures a respected place for the giver’s name in society
Spiritual benefits of charity:
- Helps you progress on the path of bhakti (devotion)
- Connects you to Lord Krishna’s mercy
- Removes sinful karma and purifies the soul
The Bhagavad Gita (3.13) mentions:
यज्ञ-शिष्टाशिनः संतो मुच्यन्ते सर्व-किल्बिषैः ।
भुंजते ते ‘त्वघं पापा ये पचन्त्य् आत्म-कारणात् ॥
“Yajna-shishtashinah santo muchyante sarva-kilbishaih |
Bhunjate te tvagham papa ye pachanty atma-karanat |”
Translation: The devotees partaking of offerings given in charity are relieved from sins. The selfish doers suffer.
When you donate to ISKCON you are engaging in Shri Krishna’s service and receiving his divine blessings.
4. Spiritual Significance of Charity in ISKCON
Charity is not just giving but an offering to Lord Krishna. In ISKCON, charity is spiritual. When we give for something higher it is a worship. It is not the money you give but the love and devotion.
Charity connects you with the divine energy of Lord Krishna. When you do selfless giving, you learn to let go of ego and greed. It tells you that real happiness is in serving others and pleasing Lord Krishna.
5. Reasons to Donate in ISKCON Temples
Donating in ISKCON temples is considered divine for several reasons.
1) Supporting prasadam distribution: ISKCON is giving food to the hungry people through free food programs.
2) Sustaining temple activities: Donations help maintain temples where devotees worship Shri Krishna.
3) Spreading spiritual knowledge: Donations are used to organize educational programs & seminars to give the message of Bhagavad Gita as it is.
4) Uplifting society: ISKCON works for the welfare of society by seva and spiritual activities.
5) Serving Lord Krishna: Charity given in his service takes one to eternal bliss.
Scriptures say that by serving devotees and temples one pleases the Lord. By donating you elevate society as well as cleanse your own heart.
6. Charity and Spiritual Growth in ISKCON
Charity in ISKCON temples is a stepping stone to your spiritual growth. It is an act of surrender and love for Lord Krishna. When you donate selflessly, you decrease your attachment from materialistic possessions, which further helps you to concentrate on God.
In ISKCON charity does not only mean giving money, you can also offer your time, skills, or service to Shri Krishna’s temples or devotees. This free service will ultimately purify yourself and help you in attaining humility, compassion, and a positive attitude toward life that too without expecting anything in return.
The Bhagavad Gita (9.27) guides us:
यत् करोषि यद् अश्नासि यज् जुहोषि ददासि यत् ।
यत् तपस्यसि कौंतेय तत् कुरुष्व मदर्पणम् ॥
“Yat karoshi yad ashnasi yaj juhoshi dadasi yat |
Yat tapasyasi kaunteya tat kurushva mad-arpanam |”
Translation: Whatever you do, whatever you eat, whatever you give, do it as an offering to Me.
When you view charity at that level, it is actually a way of offering to Lord Krishna. And yourself you grow spiritually, and come closer to Him.
7. Scriptural Evidence for Charity in ISKCON
Charity is a virtue strongly supported in the scriptures. The Bhagavad Gita and the Srimad Bhagavatam constantly emphasize on the significance of Donation in temples and selfless giving. Lord Krishna himself praises the generosity of charity when it is performed with love and devotion.
The Bhagavad Gita (17.22) states:
अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते।
असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम्॥
“Adesh-kale yad danam apatrebhyash cha diyate |
Asatkritam avajnatam tat tamasam udahritam |”
Translation: Charity given at the wrong time, to unworthy people, or without respect is considered impure.
In ISKCON temples donation is used for pure and noble causes. They are meant for serving Shri Krishna’s devotees and in spreading his message across the world. In this way your charity not only gets spiritual merit but also blessings.
