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Spirit of giving and sharing – Swami Vivekananda

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None is there but will be compelled, in the long run, to give up everything. And the more one struggles against this law, the more miserable one feels.

It is because we dare not give, because we are not resigned enough to accede to this grand demand of nature, that we are miserable.

The wood is gone, but we get heat in return.

The sun is taking up water from the ocean, to return it in showers.

You are a machine for taking and giving: you take, in order to give. Ask, therefore, nothing in return; but the more you give, the more will come to you.

The quicker you can empty the air out of this room, the quicker it will be filled up by the external air; and if you close all the doors and every aperture, that which is within will remain, but that which is outside will never come in, and that which is within will stagnate, degenerate, and become poisoned.

A river is continually emptying itself into the ocean and is continually filling up again.

Swami Vivekananda 

Spirit of Giving and Sharing in Hinduism

Hinduism emphasizes the spirit of giving and sharing as central to its ethical and spiritual teachings. This ethos is deeply rooted in the concept of "Dāna" (दान), a Sanskrit word meaning charity or the act of giving. The practice of giving is not just about offering material goods but is considered an important spiritual act that fosters humility, selflessness, and compassion. It reflects a recognition of the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of contributing to the well-being of others.

Meaning of Dāna

"Dāna" is derived from the root word "da," which means "to give." In Hinduism, dāna is more than an act of charity; it is a selfless offering performed with pure intentions. The Bhagavad Gita, a central text in Hindu philosophy, discusses the concept of giving in detail. It categorizes giving into three types, aligning them with the three gunas (qualities) - sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), and tamas (ignorance):

  1. Sattvic Dāna: This is the highest form of giving, done without any expectation of reward or recognition. It is performed in the right place, at the right time, and to a deserving person, purely out of compassion and duty.

  2. Rajasic Dāna: This form of giving is driven by desire or expectation. It is done with some expectation of reciprocation or for a specific benefit.

  3. Tamasic Dāna: This is giving that is performed without respect, care, or understanding of the recipient's needs. It might be given grudgingly or with a sense of contempt.

The concept of dāna in Hinduism also extends to non-material forms of giving, such as the sharing of knowledge (Vidya Dāna), skills, time, and love. These are considered equally valuable and are often more impactful in uplifting others spiritually and emotionally.

Similar Thoughts in Hindu Philosophy

The spirit of giving is also evident in other aspects of Hindu philosophy:

  1. Karma Yoga: The Bhagavad Gita advocates for Karma Yoga, the path of selfless action. According to this principle, one should perform their duties without attachment to the outcomes or fruits of their actions. This aligns with the concept of giving without expecting anything in return, as the focus is on contributing to society and fulfilling one's responsibilities.

  2. Seva (Selfless Service): Seva means selfless service and is a vital aspect of Hindu spirituality. It emphasizes serving others as a way of serving God, recognizing the divine presence in all beings. This selfless service can take many forms, from feeding the hungry to caring for the sick, and is seen as a way of cultivating humility and compassion.

  3. Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam: This ancient Hindu phrase means "the world is one family." It reflects the belief in the interconnectedness of all beings and the idea that the well-being of one is tied to the well-being of all. This philosophy encourages generosity and a sense of global responsibility, emphasizing the importance of sharing resources and caring for one another.

  4. Ahimsa (Non-Violence): The principle of Ahimsa, or non-violence, extends beyond physical actions to include thoughts and words. In the spirit of giving, this principle encourages kindness, empathy, and the offering of goodwill and positive intentions toward all beings.

Quotes from Hindu Scriptures

Here are some quotes from Hindu scriptures that emphasize the spirit of giving and sharing:

  1. Bhagavad Gita (17.20):
    "That gift which is given with a sense of duty, in a fit place, at the proper time, and to a worthy person, without any expectation of return, is held to be Sattvic."

  2. Upanishads (Taittiriya Upanishad 1.11.1):
    "Give with faith. Do not give without faith. Give with sensitivity. Give with a feeling of abundance. Give with understanding."

  3. Rig Veda (10.117.5):
    "The one who eats without sharing is a sinner. The wealth of the generous never wastes away, but the miser finds none to comfort him."

  4. Manusmriti (4.229):
    "He who gives with kindness and good faith receives more in the next life. Therefore, let one always be devoted to charity."

Modern-Day Relevance

In today’s world, the spirit of giving and sharing remains highly relevant. Here are a few ways it is applicable:

  1. Philanthropy and Charity: The principles of dāna and seva inspire countless individuals and organizations globally to engage in philanthropic activities, supporting education, healthcare, and poverty alleviation efforts. The idea of giving selflessly without expecting returns is particularly resonant in charitable work.

  2. Community Service: In modern society, the concept of seva is manifested through various forms of community service, from volunteering in local shelters to participating in global humanitarian missions. The spirit of selfless service helps to build stronger, more compassionate communities.

  3. Sustainability and Shared Resources: The principle of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam aligns closely with modern movements for environmental sustainability and global cooperation. Recognizing the interconnectedness of all life encourages a more responsible and equitable use of the earth's resources.

  4. Emotional and Spiritual Well-being: The act of giving is known to enhance emotional well-being, reduce stress, and foster a sense of purpose. Modern psychology increasingly acknowledges that selfless acts and generosity can lead to greater life satisfaction and happiness, echoing ancient Hindu teachings.

  5. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Many businesses today adopt CSR practices that reflect the spirit of giving back to society. Companies are increasingly recognized for their efforts to make a positive impact on the community and the environment, aligning business goals with social good.

  6. Spiritual Practice: In contemporary times, people often seek deeper meaning and fulfillment beyond material success. The practice of giving and sharing offers a path to spiritual growth, fostering a sense of inner peace and connection with others.

The spirit of giving and sharing, as taught in Hinduism, is timeless and universal. It promotes values that are crucial not only for personal growth and spiritual development but also for building a more compassionate, connected, and sustainable world. By embracing these principles, individuals and societies can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, empathy, and unity.