Noble Use of Money

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

Page 10

Noble Use of Money
Noble Use of Money
or other medical help) is considered more valuable than charity of food. If a poor man falls ill and cannot afford to buy medicine, you should either give him the money to do so or go and buy the medicine for him. He may live a few more years because of your charity. Charity of medicine is more beneficial than charity of food. Do you understand which is better?
Questioner: Charity of medicine.
Dadashri: Charity of medicine is considered more valuable than charity of food because it keeps a person alive longer and gives him relief from pain and suffering. Many of our women and children regularly give charity of food and medicine. It does not cost too much, but it should be done all the same. If a poor man comes to your doorstep give him whatever is ready at the time.
Gnandaan Is More Valuable
Charity Of Food First, comes the charity of food. When someone comes to your door at noon and says, "Brother, please give me something, I am hungry," you should reply by saying, Please sit down right here, and I will serve you food." This is charity of food. Someone may interfere by telling you, if you feed lunch this robust man, what about his dinner? God has said for one not to interfere in such matters. Because of your charity, that man will live at least one more day. Tomorrow he will find someone else to help him live. You do not have to worry about what will become of him tomorrow or in the future. When someone comes to your home, give whatever you can. At least he will live today, and that is what matters! Something else may be in store for him tomorrow. There is no need for you to worry.
Questioner: Is charity of food considered the most valuable?
Dadashri: It is considered good, but how much can you give? People will not keep giving forever. It is enough to feed someone just once. He will find his second meal somewhere else, but today he lives because of that one meal! Nevertheless when people give food, do they give fresh food or leftovers?
Questioner: They get rid of their leftovers. What can they do if they cooked too much?
Dadashri: At least they are making good use of it! When one gives freshly prepared food, then I will accept that it is correct. Surely there must be some rules of the science of the Enlightened Ones (vitarag); it cannot be haphazard. Any other time you can get away with it, but not here.
Charity of Medical Help Charity of medicine (donation of medicine, doctor's bills
Gnandaan is even more valuable. Money donated towards books that guide people on the right path towards their salvation is all 'gnandaan. 'By gnandaan one can progress to a better life form in his next life or can even attain liberation.
God has said that gnandaan is the most valuable and highest daan (that can be carried out by ordinary people). Where money is not involved. He has talked about abhayadaan. As far as money is concerned, he has said to give gnandaan and those of ordinary means should give charity of medicine and food.
Questioner: But if people have a surplus of money, should they not make donations?
Dadashri: Giving of donations is the best. Give to reduce people's misery and suffering and use the rest on a constructive path of charity. Gnandaan is the charity that leads people to the right path. That is the highest form of charity in this world!