Noble Use of Money

Author(s): Dada Bhagwan
Publisher: Mahavideh Foundation

Page 23

Noble Use of Money
Noble Use of Money
did not have this samyak intellect? If one understood just this much, it would be of tremendous benefit to him.
Questioner: Without this change in the intellect, towards the right understanding, there is no end to suffering.
Dadashri: Indeed there would be no end to it. We cannot even begin to talk about it. Even when a person is donating fifty thousand rupees, he tells you that he is only doing so under pressure from the mayor otherwise he would not give anything. It is not enough for him to keep this to himself but he has to brag about his shrewdness to others. His entire donation goes to waste. You see this happening don't you? Only those who remain in this satsang are shielded from the hassles and complications of the world.
Donate Anonymously Questioner: The one who has the Self as the goal, has no value for pride and fame.
Dadashri: Fame is very destructive. As a person progresses along the spiritual path, fame is inevitable, but a true aspirant has no desire for it. Although people admire the brilliance and the beauty of a diamond, the diamond remains unaffected. Despite the fact that fame is detrimental, in the worldly life fame is what people covet and it is to fulfill this very desire that they donate to schools and hospitals. Once they receive recognition, they are satisfied. Some will even say, for appearance sake, they want the donation to be kept anonymous, while their inner intent is fame.
one accepts it or not.
You should give according to your own wishes. All these are merely worldly interactions. It starts with pressure from those who are out to collect donations. This is followed by the ceremony of appreciation by garlands, speeches etc. Then the person writes a big check.
Donations, however, should be made anonymously and secretly. Do the Marvadis not give anonymously? Without anyone knowing, they secretly deposit it near the Lord, and reap vast harvests in their next life.
Social Interactions Questioner: From a worldly perspective, what is the significance of the donations you made in Hiraba's name (Dadashri's wife)?
Dadashri: In the worldly perspective, it is considered a good thing.
Questioner: We have to remain within the boundaries of social dealings.
Dadashri: It is a social custom, but it also looks good. However, I did not carry it out to look good. I did it because it was Hiraba's wish. I do not care whether it looks good or bad. Nevertheless I still conduct myself in a manner that does not look bad.
Questioner: We're talking about you, but what about
Us?
Only a very few people truly donate anonymously, other than that everyone is hungry for fame. People praise and speak very highly of those who donate money. This public adoration is the donor's reward. The donor reaps the reward of his action in this very life, whereas the one who gives anonymously will reap his reward in his next life. The reward is inevitable whether
Dadashri: You have to do at least some of it. You do not have to go out of your way, but you have to do a little.
Effect of Merit Karma Is Spent Here Only Questioner: If the laws of karma are as you say they