Be kind, generous and compassionate. How does it feel when one is described as having all three qualities? One feels great and then does one pause to think?
Dear ones, I am not being judgmental, does it come spontaneously to one to be kind. The Rig Veda states that giving does not make one rich. People, who give are charitable and happy. Giving helps one to evolve spiritually. The taker is unhappy. The concept of takers being unhappy means that the giver’s intention behind the act of giving was not performed with a pure and genuine heart to help others. It is not to be patronizing and must be authentic.
The taker senses the lack of genuineness. Now one addresses the need to give up one’s desires. If one is able to do this, then one can spontaneously be kind, generous and compassionate.
Let us examine all that one gets free. Our surroundings, the air we breathe, the planets, the sun, the moon, the rain and all the beauty that is around us. The company of our loved ones, laughter and song.
The four goals of life
Now ask yourself, am I blessed or am I deprived. Am I grateful? Expressing gratitude leads to creativity and thankfulness. This in turn leads to the cycle of abundance. According to Hinduism, the cycle of abundance is linked to Samskara and the cycle of birth and death. The pursuit of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha are the four goals of life.
Abundance is not only material wealth (Arth), it also includes spiritual growth, fulfilling one’s duty (Dharma), experiencing worldly pleasures (Kama) within the framework of the life stages (Ashrama). Ultimately the cycle culminates in liberation (Moksha) from Samskaras. So, one is forever full, never depleted. One can continue being generous and compassionate.
Sudama, Krishna’s friend was humble and poor, yet he was content. He was filled with bliss in his love for Krishna. Here we see that a poor person, who had nothing to offer Krishna except stale rice was ecstatic. Krishna reciprocated his love.
Lokasangraha means well-being of all sentient beings, which comprises the welfare of humans, animals and environment.
It has three parts.
- Maintaining harmonious relationships.
- Being kind and compassionate.
- Preserving the environment.
It is a key concept in the Bhagwad Gita. We must all work for the collective good of Mother Earth. We are all interconnected and have collective responsibility towards all beings.
Aim Hrim Klim