Generosity – Different look this time!

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My previous posts – "Generosity or Charity?" and "Generosity – contd." have been focused on the power and effects of giving. The act of giving and sharing s so beautiful in countless ways.

However, we have to be careful on what we want to give away and got to be cautious of what is being asked of us. This is the theme of my today's post.

We know we need to possess the material before we can pledge it to someone else or in easier words – give it away. What we do not have, cannot be given. At the same time, it doesn't takes much to share the love or spiritual comfort from within yourself.

As the luck would have it, meeting the requirements most of the time, renders a thought of being omnipotent. And this is where we tend to make mistakes and overlook the power of the ask.

Let ponder on some of the very well-known stories –

  • Vaman and Bali – When the Asura king Bali became powerful and expelled the gods from their heavenly abode – Swarga, Vishnu took the avatar of a dwarf Brahmin and begged enough land as covered in his three steps. Shukracharya – the teacher of the asuras recognized Vishnu in the form of the dwarf Brahmin. And so did Bali as well. However, true to his word, Bali granted the wish and lost everything to the gods – even when he was forewarned by his teacher and intellect as well.
  • Kaikeyi and Dashratha – Kaikeyi – Dashratha's third queen had once saved his life in the war. At this Dashratha granted her three wishes. Kaikeyi requested a raincheck on the offer and Dashratha happily granted the same. The three wishes concluded into what we recall as Rama's exile and Dashratha's demise.
  • Satayavati and Shantanu – Satyavati asked for her sons to be the kings after Shantanu in return for a marital knot. Shantanu happily granted the wish when assured from his son – Devavrata. This innocent looking wish became the killer and wiped out almost every dynasty from the face of India in the Mahabharata war.
  • Sita and Ram – Sita requested Ram to catch the golden deer for herself. Though realizing that such a thing doesn't exists, Ram teaches Lakshmana not to underestimate the power of nature. Bowing to Sita's request, he leaves her behind to be abducted b Ravana.
  • Ravana and Sita – When Ram went hunting the golden deer on her behest, Sita heard a cry in her name. She persuaded Lakshmana to go and check on her husband. Reluctantly, Laksmana gives up on his task to look after Sita, sets out to the jungle looking for Rama. While he does so, he draws a circle all around the house and requests Sita not to step out. Upon his departure, Ravana enters in disguise of a sage and requests Sita to step out of the Lakshmana-Rekha and give him the food. Though fully aware of the line, Sita crosses it and is abducted.
  • Indra and Karna – Indra's son – Arjuna and Karna are equal warriors. Karna swears to take the side of Duryodhana and also promises Kunti that only one of them – Arjuna or himself would be killed. Indra realizing the power of Suryadev in Karna, ask him for his armour and ear-lockets. Though Karna had been warned of such guile by Suryadev, he listens to Indra and gives away his ultimate protection.

Apart from these stories, there are countless stories wherein Mahadev – Shiva Shankar gave away the wishes to anyone who worshipped him. Thereby earning the name – "Bhole".

Not realizing the power of the ask is either arrogance or ignorance. Either ways, it is harmful.

Be careful in what you wish for and what you are asked for.


 

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