The Gift Of Giving - What This Conversation From Mahabharata Tells Us

The renowned warrior Arjuna in the Mahabharat asks his Divine Charioteer, Krishna, about the noblest giver in the land, to which Krishna replies, “Karna is without a doubt the best illustration of generosity in the kingdom." Arjuna is evidently upset with the answer as he considers Karna to be his fiercest opponent. Krishna noted the twitches around the edges of his eyes. Krishna, the supreme teacher, devises a plan to teach Arjuna a valuable lesson on the gift of giving.

The Gift Of Giving

One evening as Krishna and Arjuna were riding together, Krishna asked Arjuna if he could see two mountains. Krishna transformed the mountains into gold with a single snap of his fingers. "I have a task for you, Arjuna," says Krishna with a gentle quivering smile. You must give these two gold mountains to the underprivileged foothill villagers. Tell me when you've distributed all the remaining pebbles. Arjuna gathers all the villagers and gives a stately speech, thrilled at the chance to show off his generosity to the villagers and to try to put an end to their suffering and unhappiness. The villagers started dancing in the euphoric avalanche of emotions as he said, "I have good news, I will be giving these two mountains of gold to all of you," declares Arjuna. There was praise for the great donor, the crowd was clamouring with joy. He gave away one by one by assessing each individual and their needs. 

After that, Krishna gave the same task to Karna. The valiant warrior was also asked to give gold to the underprivileged foothill villagers. Karna without an iota of arrogance and with utmost humility feebly muttered to two villagers who were passing by to give away gold as they pleased. There was no clamour, no speech, it was like the left hand didn't know what the right hand was doing. He extended charity with a pure heart and clean intentions. Karna could have acted like a beacon of light, but he chose not to do it. He restored faith in goodness. It was a lesson in giving selflessly without being or acting like a bigger person because, in the eyes of the lord, we are all the same. 

Since time immemorial charity has been promoted in every spiritual, and religious sect. Tithing is an idea from the church that suggests we give 10 percent of our income. Sedaka is the Jewish tradition that reflects the same ideology just as the Muslim practice Zakat. In Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism dana is the practice of cultivating generosity. One of the three pillars of Sikhism emphasizes Vand Chakko – giving in whatever one is capable of. In 2021, when the predominant majority was dealing with the insurmountable sorrow of the second wave of COVID-19. We all witnessed the human spirit coming together.

When every family felt the jitters of helplessness, there was a smog of disappointment all around us. I can write unceasingly and eloquently of the miserable state of health and hope but what held us together was the graciousness of the human spirit. It was during this time we could see how charity moved a great mass of humanity all over the world. A world that works for everyone, where no one is left out. Our generation's enduring legacy is to pass the concept of philanthropy to the youth. In the profound yearning to change the world, a tiny contribution can bring enormous happiness.

A common misconception is that charity is a domain of the wealthy whereas philanthropy is a market of love where no other market is coming. It is about giving time, and talent and imparting a skill. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, where we are hit by inflation and the cost of living is on an all-time rising. There would always be reasons to consider charity as a viable option. Give away not because you are wealthy, but because you are a caring individual. 

Big issues are not solved by big business or big individuals, they are solved by you and me because we have the will to make the world a better place. Cease the moment in history where an average person has more power than at any given time in the past. 

Views expressed are the author's own.