Patanjali Yoga Sutra speaks about Tapas (Austerity) as a
critical element of Raja Yoga. Yogacharya Sundaram, in his book Raja
Yoga, has included Daana (Charity) as an important element. Let us
review these two elements.
Tapas (Austerity) – is the exercise of isolating the senses. It consists
of neutralizing all but one sensory stimulus which is then disciplined to a
high degree of harmony and homeostasis. This aspect requires deprivation of the
senses which can only be achieved by isolating oneself from the environment,
hence cannot be used as a regular tool for enhancing niyama unless the
practitioner is willing to move away from a materialistic environment. In its
place, I have proposed Sahana and Shraddha, which can never
replace Tapas, but are more relevant to today’s lifestyles.
Daana (Charity) – means relinquishing of ownership with no
expectation of return. There can be many types of charity and the most
important, in order of significance;
Anna daana
(giving food as charity)
Vastra daana
(giving clothes as charity)
Vidya daana
(giving knowledge as charity)
Kriya daana
(giving effort as charity)
Lakshmi daana
(giving money as charity)
Off all forms of daana or charity, that where there is direct
benefit to another such as Anna daana (feeding others) is considered the
highest form of daana. This is followed by any charity which requires
sacrifice of one’s personal time or energy such as kriya (effort), where
one sacrifices ones time and energy as a form of charity; followed by vidya
(knowledge sharing). Vastra daana (giving clothes to the needy) comes
next in the list of charities, finally followed by lakshmi daana
(money). Lakshmi is not considered the highest form of charity because
often the giver does not know how the money is used and often, it does not
reach the intended recipient. Also, the personal sacrifice component is lower
unless, the charity is made by a person who has little to a person who has
less, when the sacrifice is significant. But, this is not to take the sheen
away from any form of charity. All forms of charity and sacrifice result is a
feeling of goodness and altruism which opens the sense of identity to other
forms of stimuli and introspection (jnaana).
Anecdotes, experiences and situations to help understand…
(Wikipedia extract):
Charity in Christianity – Whilst in the early years, Charity was
a simple act of giving money, over time, it evolved into building charitable
institutions such as hospitals, schools and other educational institutions for
common benefit. Carnagie Mellon University, Rockfeller University, John Hopkins
hospital and many other well-known and world class educational institutions
were founded as a result of charitable endowments by individuals.
Tzedakah in Judaism – Judaism does not have any specific concept
of charity, but Jews are supposed to set aside 10% of their income for acts of
righteousness, irrespective of who the recipient may be.
Zakat in Islam – Muslims are expected to set aside 2.5% of their
income for charitable activities. During Bakr-id, the meat from the sacrificed
animal is supposed to be divided into three parts. The family retains one third
of the share; another third is given to relatives, friends, and neighbors; and
the remaining third is given to the poor and needy.
In Hinduism – Kanya daana or handing over the bride to the groom
is considered the highest of daana.
Seva in Sikhism – While this is voluntary, Sikhs often perform
Kar Seva (charity of action) such as cleaning floors, preparing food or serving
it at the community kitchen or Langars, etc.
Buddhism – states that giving increases the spiritual content of
one’s life and is considered one of the foundation of perfection.
Share your opinion and
experiences;
- Do you perform any acts of charity? Is it structured of random? Why do you do it?
- How do you perform this act of charity? What is your attitude when performing the act?
- How do you feel after performing any act of charity?
