Question to Radhanath Swami:I have always come across a comparison between charities based philanthropic organizations and religious organizations. How can I support both?
Radhanath Swami: Giving prasadam (sanctified food) in charity is a pure spiritual activity. Distributing prasadam is appreciated by all philanthropically minded people and it is also very dear to the heart of supreme Lord Sri Krishna. When we are distributing prasadam for the material and spiritual uplifting of all living beings, God appreciates a lot. Therefore prasadam distribution is a very significant, important, essential and spiritual charity.
At the same time, Lord Chaitanya Mahaprabhu (Lord Krishna’s incarnation who appeared 500 years ago in West Bengal) gave us the message, “there is no greater charity than distributing the holy name of Krishna”. In shastras the principle spiritual activity for today’s age is mentioned as the chanting of the holy name. Ultimately, only by chanting of the holy name one can be elevated to perfection in today’s age. Therefore, the greatest charity that we can offer to people according to Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu is to guide them to gradually understand the importance and necessities of sincerely chanting the holy name of Krishna . Sri Chaitanya Mahaprabhu begged to us to live for the welfare of others which can be done only by distributing and chanting of the holy names of Krishna.
