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Teaching on Danam (Donation)
The practice of danam (Donation) helps people develop shradhaa (faith), bhakti (Love and devotion), and steadiness in their practice. Greed and selfishness hinder all success and prosperity. The practice of giving removes the karmas of greed and poverty, and this helps people to receive wealth and prosperity. For this to work, people must test themselves to give generously according to their capacity. Those who have little money to give should give what they can afford, and donating service can be an equally valuable contribution for those who have few material things to give. Most importantly, Danam helps people to be open to grace by connecting them energetically (through their gift) to the Guru. It is generally not possible to receive without giving something in return. The blessings conferred by a Guru are no exception to this rule of karma. In life it is true that those who give most generously also receive the most. Devotees understand that it is their responsibility to contribute generously to help their Guru achieve his mission. |
Kamadhenu, the Cow of Plenty
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Teaching on Dashamamsa Vrata (Tithing)
Shishyas (devotees) are taught the mystical law of dashamamsa vrata (tithing). It is a thousand year old practice in the Hindu tradition for a chela (student) to give one tenth of the money he earns to support the work of the Guru. This danam (donation) is a mystical due that is owed to the Lord for his service through spiritual teachers and institutions. If people do not donate as they work with a Guru, it will either hinder their progress or create a karmic debt that can be difficult to overcome. It is not traditional to receive services without giving some donation in return, and this is particularly important for spiritual work which effects the physical, astral, and causal realms. The amount of one tenth is not an arbitrary calculation, but is based upon a mystical knowledge. It is said that 1/10 of the resources a person attains are not his, but owed mystically to the Lord. People do not have a choice whether they will part with this money, only where it will go. It is said that if this due is not offered willingly to the spiritual organizations where a person receives spiritual services that this money will be taken forcefully by thieves, doctors, lawyers, enforcement agents. Wise seekers plan their budget to always include this due to the Lord.
Shishyas (devotees) are taught the mystical law of dashamamsa vrata (tithing). It is a thousand year old practice in the Hindu tradition for a chela (student) to give one tenth of the money he earns to support the work of the Guru. This danam (donation) is a mystical due that is owed to the Lord for his service through spiritual teachers and institutions. If people do not donate as they work with a Guru, it will either hinder their progress or create a karmic debt that can be difficult to overcome. It is not traditional to receive services without giving some donation in return, and this is particularly important for spiritual work which effects the physical, astral, and causal realms. The amount of one tenth is not an arbitrary calculation, but is based upon a mystical knowledge. It is said that 1/10 of the resources a person attains are not his, but owed mystically to the Lord. People do not have a choice whether they will part with this money, only where it will go. It is said that if this due is not offered willingly to the spiritual organizations where a person receives spiritual services that this money will be taken forcefully by thieves, doctors, lawyers, enforcement agents. Wise seekers plan their budget to always include this due to the Lord.