Pujya Ramsukhdasji Maharaj

[Guest guest]

Have a Generous and Noble Disposition

 

Whatever we have in our possession, is for everyone, not just for

us - having this generous and noble disposition, leads to immense

peace. When food is being prepared, if some hungry person arrives at

your home, some friend comes over, an ascetic comes by, a dog / cat

etc. suddenly comes to the door step, then according to one's

abilities, one also gives food to them. If they ask for more, then

one can gently explain to them that this is also for the rest of the

family. We can certainly feed to satisfy the hunger, but we are

never able to satisfy their desire for more. Not only that, but the

entire population of the world together, will not be able to satisfy

one person's desires -

 

" Yat prithvyaam vreehiyavam hiranyam pashavah striyah;

ne duhiyanti manahpreetim punsah kaamahatasya te. " (Srimad Bhagavat

9:19:13)

 

" As much grains, gold, beings and women, all in all combined will be

unable to satisfy that man who is striken and attacked by desire and

longing for enjoyment and pleasures. "

 

There are amazing things in Bharatiya Samskruti, that look out for

the upliftment and salvation of all beings. In parts of India, these

practices are still going on, where grain is planted keeping in mind

all those that need to be fed, the birds, animals, insects and

others are all to be included in the yield. The first yield (crop),

goes to ascetics and holy men in temples for their food, and later

the farmers share among themselves. After food is cooked, it is

offered to creatures of the Universe, including those that passed

away. Similarly if a guest arrives, he is fed, before anyone else.

 

There is nothing that God is lacking, yet food is offered to God.

His own things are offered back to Him. Just like a child takes

something that belongs to the father and gives it back to the

Father, and the father is very pleased with Him. Similarly God too

is very pleased with us when we make an offering to Him.

Interestingly water is offered to the ocean and fire to the Sun

through a lamp. Does the ocean have any shortage of water? There is

none whatsoever, but it is the inner expression of giving, of have a

very generous, noble disposition, one of serving all, one of giving

happiness to all, which leads to one's salvation.