Question to Radhanath Swami: While traveling by trains I see many children begging. They seem hungry and I can’t bear the sight. When they ask for money, one side of me says I shouldn’t give them the money, for they might give it to people who’ll misuse it. My other side says that I should. What should I do?
Radhanath Swami Answers: Real joy comes through service; real joy comes through serving without expecting anything material in return. When we do something and we get something in return,…
Tag: prasad
Charity and spirituality, Radhanath Swami uncovers the connection…
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.
Should we Give Money to Beggars? Radhanath Swami Answers
Question to Radhanath Swami: This is one question which I’ve had since my childhood. When I travel by trains I see many children begging, and I can’t bear the sight of their hunger. One side of my heart says that I should not give them money for they might misuse it, while my other side says GIVE IT ! What should I do?
Radhanath Swami: Actually, real joy comes through service. Real joy that touches the heart comes through serving without expecting anything material in return.
Will Giving Money to Begging Children make them Lazy? Let’s See What Radhanath Swami has to say…
Question to Radhanath Swami: One thing always comes in my mind. If we give small children who come begging to us Prasad (sanctified food first offered to the Lord) or money, for long will they survive on this Prasad or money? Rather it will encourage them to beg even further and further, and they can’t become successful in their life. So, don’t you think it is better to give Prasad or money to very old and elderly beggars rather than give it to small children?
Radhanath Swami: Very nice observation. Actually, giving Prasad does not have a temporary effect. This Prasad connects their soul to God, to Krishna. It has everlasting benefit on the spiritual platform.
What When a Beggar Approaches You? Radhanath Swami Provides Some Guidance
Question to Radhanath Swami: I have heard that we must give away some prasad (food sanctified by offering it to the Lord) when approached by a beggar; and in case we are not carrying any Prasad, we should give him/her some money, but never say no. Can you please elaborate on this?
Radhanath Swami Answers: This principle is especially for grihastas, householders. In the Vedic scriptures, one of the first regulative principles of thegrihasta is to give in charity.
