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CHARITY, GATEWAY TO HIGHEST BLISS
Dt. 27-10-1979
Charity is one of the gateways to Highest Bliss and man should constantly strive to enter this portal by liberal donations to the proper cause and deserving persons, irrespective of religious denominations. It is the primary duty of everyone to be compassionate and benevolent and thereby eradicate the suffering of the poor. There may, however, be several who live as parasites in society, enjoying the charity through public funds. Such philanthropy will not fetch beneficial results to the donors.
Muni Shri Rajyashvijaya, in his discourse at 99, Mint Street, dealing with Tatvartha Surta, one of the classics of Jainism, interpreted ethics of charity which he said was considered essential for self- purification and emancipation. The rules governing it may be different but charity provides contentment to the giver and wipes out the sins accumulated from vicious acts. But the donor should choose the needy individual and a genuine cause. Charity should never be extended to the undeserving men or hypocrites.
The Jain Muni pointed out that the donor should render financial assistance without selfish motive or
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to seek popularity, which he may feel would help him in gaining material prosperity. The philanthropist should consider himself as a trustee and provide the aid to the suffering, thereby promoting human welfare.
Charity given with strings attached was punishable under moral law and the donor cannot escape the penalty if he did so. Rendered to alleviate the agony of the poor, charity has been declared as real service to the Almighty. The donor would become spiritually enlightened.
The Jain leader said that in these days of population-explosion, scarcity of food and other essentials, everyone should spare what he could and that too willingly, thereby removing the grief of the people, particularly the poorest among the society, who are subjected to grinding poverty and disease.
Spiritual bliss should always reflect on the face of a monk,
by which others feel peaceful.
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