Charity

A gift given at the wrong place and time, to one unworthy of it, without honour or respect — that giving is declared to be of the quality of darkness.

That charity which is given simply because it ought to be given, to one who has not done any prior favour, at the right place, time, and to a worthy recipient — that is remembered as sattvic.

But that charity which is given with the expectation of a return, or with a future fruit in view, or which is given with reluctance — that is remembered as rajasic.

Forgiveness, courage, non-violence, equanimity, truth, sincerity, knowledge, charity, and renunciation are said to be the characteristics of the path that arises from goodness.

A person, O king, who makes charitable donations, attains wealth.

Charity is the wind that fills the sails of the boat.

Righteousness is the greatest good; forgiveness is the supreme peace; knowledge is the ultimate contentment; and benevolence is the only true happiness.

This is not Karma Yoga, but rather a self-promotional attempt to gain fame. In contrast, a common laborer who earns a meager living through hard work may choose to donate their earnings to feed the hungry or sick, even if it means they themselves go without food that day. This is true self-sacrifice and genuine Karma Yoga.

The life of a householder is not about indulging in lust and loose living. Instead, it's a life of selfless service, focused on Dharma, charity, goodness, kindness, and self-help, which benefits all of humanity.

Sacrifice, vows, austerity, charity, repetition of mantras, and pilgrimage — those who perform these without understanding the truth of the Guru wander about in ignorance.

Those who follow faith and self-discipline in the forest, remaining calm and full of knowledge, and living on alms, free themselves from the dust of their passions. They then pass through the gate of the Sun to the place of the Immortal, the Spirit, and the imperishable Self.

Pilgrimages, yoga, renunciation, wisdom, rituals, penance, charity, self-study, self-control, recitation of prayers, and austere devotion, all of which are praised in the Vedas and Bhagavata, have one single reward: devotion to Hari.

The muttering of prayers, austere penance, performing sacrifices, subjugation of the mind and the senses, undertaking sacred vows, charity, dispassion, right judgment, Yoga (union with God) and Realization - the fruit of all these is devotion to the feet of the Lord of the Raghus; without this no one can attain lasting peace.

The gracious and almighty Lord Rama, the Lord of the Raghu dynasty, is so compassionate, no one can describe His benevolence.

I adore the great Lord Shiva and his consort Goddess Parvati, who are my preceptors, parents, friends of the forlorn, and always charitable. They are the servants, masters, and friends of Lord Sati, and the true benefactors of Tulsidas in every way.

Suppose a man spends one dinar in religious war, another in ransoming a slave, a third in charity, and gives the fourth to his wife, the giving of this last surpasses in merit all the others put together.

Gifts should also be given to those who are poor, blind, or in great distress, choosing the recipients of his charity as he likes.

Anger destroys the benefits of charity, and greed prevents one from reaching Heaven.

The conduct of the good consists of charity, austerity, self-control, tranquility, compassion for all creatures, control of the passions, avoidance of cruelty and theft, refraining from false and harmful acts, serving one's parents, honoring deities and guests, worshiping teachers, pity, purity, self-control, and performing all good deeds.

Those who are unwilling to help others in distress, are driven by greed, have no faith in scriptures, and never give charity, will indeed sink into hell.