culturama
December 2015
29
Feature by Susan Philip
The True Spirit of Giving Give until it hurts. – Mother Teresa Christmas is coming. Santa Claus is coming. ‘Tis the season for gifts. The Bible recounts how poor shepherds came down from the cold hills surrounding Bethlehem to see baby Jesus, bringing with them what rudimentary gifts they could find; how three wise men travelled vast distances with exotic presents fit for a king – gold, frankincense and myrrh. Both types of gifts were equally valid, valuable and meaningful. They were given from the heart, just as the baby himself was – a gift from God to all mankind, because He loved the world so much. Giving is inextricably linked with Christmas. Of course, most of the gifts are to family and friends, but the poor and the needy are never forgotten. Keeping time with the season of goodwill towards all mankind, here is a look at the viewpoints about charity and service in the major religions of the subcontinent. Apart from the act of selfless giving, Christianity emphasises the importance of service. The Bible says that any help one gives the needy – the hungry, the thirsty, the naked – is considered service to God himself, and will earn the helper heaven’s blessings. Acting on this,
Christian missionaries have travelled the world, caring for the unwanted, the destitute, the sick and the dying. The same sentiments are associated with other major religions in the subcontinent. As 2015 draws to a close, and we look out with hope on the prospects that 2016 will bring, let us delve deep into our psyches and answer the universal call of all religions to respond, in pure generosity, to whatever the need of the hour may be, so that we bring hope to the hopeless, and a smile to the face of God. Here, we bring you the essence of four major religions of India – Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Islam – with regard to service and charity. Short stories that illustrate the teachings are also included.
Photo: MIchael Stroband, Germany
While the occasion of Christmas is always linked to the joy of giving and receiving, this sentiment is common to all other major religions followed in the Indian subcontinent as well. Here is a montage of viewpoints and lore about charity and service in Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism and Islam