In Vedic Indian culture, giving is much more than simply giving money; it is artha—the art of prosperity, stewardship, and nourishment. Traditionally, giving and receiving gifts have been expressions of love among believers and among people in general. Ancient Indian society was structured so that working families, merchants, farmers, leaders, warriors, and teachers took care of the other segments of society: students, pupils, and children; those living a life of renunciation and fully reclusive monks; and elderly parents and grandparents.
Charity was considered an exceptionally virtuous act, believed to be capable of somewhat alleviating—if not completely eliminating—the harmful effects of one’s life and bad karma. At the same time, giving had to be done in the proper way—to a worthy recipient, at an appropriate time, and for a good and righteous cause. Many people sought to bless the significant days in their lives through giving, such as their birthdays, wedding anniversaries, or the day an elderly parent or grandparent passed away, but they also gladly made donations on various religious holidays.
Those who regularly donated to various activities that serve the good of society and to spiritual and religious causes never worried about the expenses, because they understood that money is the energy of the goddess Lakshmi, who is chanchala, that is, constantly coming and going—meaning that it is through movement and giving that it truly becomes present in our lives, and we can truly expect good things in return for every act of kindness.
Your donations—whether they are 1% contributions or other types—are eteltazeletert.hu Your generous donations, sent to us online, form the cornerstone of our work. With your help, we are able to care for the most vulnerable members of society. And we can only improve our own lives when no one has to face the feeling of vulnerability. That is what we believe in.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your 1% donations this year, and we hope that, if you are able, you will continue to support our work with your donations in the future. Thank you very much!
Hare Krishna!