Faith Column | March 8, 2026

The Vedas illuminate the subtle paths of the divine journey that are otherwise unknown to us, presenting them through sacred narratives and prayers. Among these, the principles of charity are explained with great clarity and reverence. Charity, the Vedas declare, should be offered with complete dedication and a selfless heart. Sri Sundara Rama Vajapeya Swami, while expounding the significance of charity, cited the Rigveda, Eighth Ashtaka, Sixth Adhyaya. He explained that hunger repeatedly afflicts human life; though it cannot be eradicated entirely, it can be alleviated temporarily. Therefore, feeding the hungry is regarded as the most sacred and auspicious form of charity.

A person who practices charity attains the merit equivalent to the performance of yajnas and sacred rites. Such generosity transforms even adversaries into friends. In contrast, one who withholds charity finds that people do not befriend him, and even existing friendships gradually fade away.

For those who practice charity, wealth moves in a continuous cycle, much like the revolving wheel of a temple chariot. Their riches never stagnate but return manifold through righteous circulation. In contrast, those who refuse to give, even while consuming wealth for themselves, are deemed to partake in sin, for enjoyment devoid of sharing is regarded as eating the fruits of one’s own transgressions.

We cannot expect everyone to be alike in the matter of charity. Even though both hands of a person appear similar and are equally formed, their strength and capacity are not the same. Likewise, each individual’s ability to give differs, and charity must be understood and appreciated in accordance with one’s means.

One should never be driven by a sense of infatuation or ego with the thought, “I am the giver.” Nor should one entertain the feeling, “Why should I alone give while others do not?” Charity must be offered with humility.