Charity is the pathway for the progress of civilization. In the teachings of Shri Krishna, who is the Supreme Personality of Godhead, charity is considered as one its divine virtues. The Bhagavad Gita and virtually every other scripture emphasizes the importance of charity. This article talks about some of the spiritual, emotional, and societal benefits one can get from donating; as per ISKCON’s teachings.
Importance of Charity According to Lord Krishna
Shri Krishna – The Supreme Godhead says that Charity should be done in all possible ways as it is a religious act. Wealth is temporary and materialistic but the blessings you will get from helping others will always help you in your journey. Lord Krishna in Bhagavad Gita has said that charity purifies one’s heart and uplifts one’s soul. By giving, we place ourselves more in tune with the Divine will and spread Its Love and Mercy in society.
Charity should not only be linked with monetary benefits or donations, but it also means doing even a small work like feeding the hungry souls or giving clothes to the poor, anything which can give relief to someone’s suffering also falls under it.
With pure intention if anyone does any sort of Charity, Shri Krishna himself says that even if done with least possible things it gets offered and reaches him directly.
Spiritual Benefits of Donating
1) Attaining Shri Krishna’s Grace: You get Shri Krishna’s grace when you donate selflessly. Your bhakti (devotion) reaches him when you do charity with no intention of anything in return.
2) Cleansing of Karma: Shri Krishna says that charity helps you get rid of the past life sins. Serving others acts as repentance which brings a divine purification to your soul by washing away the bad deeds.
3) Growth in Bhakti: The more you donate in ISKCON Temples or any food distribution programs your devotion gets deepen. As Lord Shri Krishna accepts anything offered with love.
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita (9.26)
पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्या प्रयच्छति।
तदहं भक्त्युपहृतमश्नामि प्रयतात्मनः॥
If one can offer Me during love and devotion a leaf, flower, fruit or water; I will accept it with pleasure.
Why Donating Woollen Clothes is Important
Winter becomes difficult for those who are poor. In winter, woollen clothes are like life to some people who cannot afford them. When you donate woollen clothes, you provide warmth and save lives. Shri Krishna says that helping others is a form of Bhakti (devotion). By donating such needs, you fulfil your spiritual duty and form a connection with Shri Krishna.
ISKCON’s Outreach Programs distribute warm clothes during winter, invoking the compassionate mercy of Shri Krishna. Every piece of clothing donated in the following ways, becomes a ray of hope and love.
Role of Food Donations in Shri Krishna’s Philosophy
Shri Krishna is called Annadana Prabhu, the Lord of Food. It is one of the most meritorious acts to feed the hungry, as you relieve someone’s immediate bodily need and also nourish your spiritual self.
Food charity is also one of the best ways to do Charity. The childhood leela’s of Shri Krishna insists on the importance of Anna Seva (Serving Food). He considers feeding others as equal to offering food to him.
ISKCON temples all over the world run Mid-Day Meal (Akshaya Patra) types of food distribution programs to ensure nobody in the world, sleeps hungry. When you donate food, you automatically become a part of this divine cause.
Why should One Donate in Temples?
Temples are not just buildings but they are the spiritual centres where God lives. By making donations in temples, you contribute to the cause of spreading Lord Shri Krishna’s teachings. Money donated is used to conduct bhajans, kirtans, and food distribution that act as messengers of spirituality around the globe.
Temples keep essence of sacred things through the support of devotees. Every single amount donated ensures that temple keeps functioning as a centre of devotion and positivity.
Emotional Benefits of Charity
Charity not only uplifts the receiver but also transforms the donor. Shri Krishna says, one who gives selflessly experiences, a sense of fulfilment and inner peace. In fact, you can if:
1) A Sense of Fulfilment: When you see someone smile because of something you have done for them, it warms your heart and instantly makes you happier. Shri Krishna has mentioned in Bhagavad Gita that any kind of charity simply binds the soul and God.
2) Reduction in Stress and Anxiety: It diverts your mind from own problems to the larger needs of the world. It clears your head and you feel much relaxed. Shri Krishna also guarantees that peace obtained through charity is much superior than any material pleasure on earth.
3) Increased Compassion and Empathy: Regular charity makes you empathetic and sensitive toward other people’s pain. This emotional growth is what being Shri Krishna is all about.
Scriptural Proofs Supporting Charity
Bhagavad Gita (17.20) The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the significance of giving in the right frame of mind.
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे।
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्।।
Charity given without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, is considered pure.
That’s why ISKCON teaches humanity’s service being a service to Shri Krishna. Scriptures also say that acts of charity done for pleasing Shri Krishna gives moksha.
Financial Contributions to Temples
ISKCON temples’ donations are collected for a divine mission.
A temple uses the donation money in:
1) Preparing Janmashtami celebrations and other such festivals in glorification of Shri Krishna.
2) Distribute prasadam (sanctified food) to devotees and needy.
3) Maintain temple premises clean, neat and environment suitable for worship.
4) Organising spiritual education programme to spread Shri Krishna’s teachings.
Every contribution on earth promoted by Shri Krishna is nothing but the message of universal love and devotion.
How to Start Your Journey of Charity
1) Start Small: Donate woollen clothes or a meal to someone in need.
2) Support ISKCON Programs: Donate to food distribution initiatives or temple maintenance efforts.
3) Give Consistently: Let charity be a steady practice, as encouraged by Shri Krishna in the scriptures.
4) Get Involved Family: One way to teach kids the valuable lesson of giving is by doing charitable acts together.
Conclusion
Charity is a timeless act of devotion that connects the soul to the Supreme. When you give to the needy and support ISKCON’s projects, you not only help others, but also receive Shri Krishna’s unlimited blessings. Woolens warm the body, food nourishes the soul, and temple donations nurture spiritual progress.
