Aspirants Guide

Author(s): Atmanandji Maharaj
Publisher: Shrimad Rajchandra Sadhna Kendra Koba

Page 22

CHARITY
f. We should understand that the success of a healthy body and mind lies in austerity and devotion; that of wealth in charity, and that of power and intellect in helping others. g. The supreme donor resorts to charity of his own free will without being asked. h. Charity is the greatest gesture, no enemy equals greed, no ornament equals character and no wealth equals contentment. i. The main purpose of the wealth of the noblest men is to bring an end to the misfortunes of all living beings. Such wealth is known as "Lakshmi" (The Goddess of Wealth).
LIVING EXAMPLES OF CHARITY (1) Ganeshprasad Varniji was a Jain scholar and a saint of the present century.
He distinctly contributed towards educational and moral welfare of the society in Bundelkhand, part of the state of Uttar Pradesh, India.
During the course of his pilgrimage on foot, he came to a holy place known as Gaja pantha, near the city Nasik, in the state of Maharastra.
He met a rich person during his stay at the holy place. The rich man was pious and compassionate. He told Varniji, "Noble Sir! We will go up the mountain and dine together." Though tired due to three months of continuous pilgrimage on foot, Varniji gave his consent to this pious person. They climbed the mountain, worshiped Gods, dined, and went down the valley to a temple for prayer.
The rich man donated a large sum. Varniji had only an amount sufficient for buying food for the next day. Varniji was puzzled and perplexed. "What should be done now?" he thought, "I must donate, and for most of the day, I shall have to take my chance or go hungry." With this thought, Varniji donated his total amount.
The temple attendant hesitated to take such a small offering. The rich man smirked. Varniji pondered over the matter and said to himself, "My inner spirit is firm. My soul is happy as I make the donation of this trifle sum. I still remember my firm conviction in the spirit of righteousness that I then experienced."
Which donation is superior ? A large sum or a measly
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CHARITY Jain Education International