Bhagavad Gita Ch17 part 11 on 04 December 2021

Full Transcript(Not Corrected)

Om Jananim Sharadam Devim Ramakrishnam Jagadgurum Pada Padme Tayo Shritva Pranamami Mohur Moho Om Vasudevasutam Devam Kamsa Chanuram Ardhanam Devaki Paramanandam Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum Sarvopanishadokavo Dogda Gopalanandana Partho Vatsha Sudhir Bhokta Dugdam Geetam Ritam Mahat Mukam Karoti Vachalam Pangum Langayate Girim Yath Kripathamam Vande Paramanandamadhamam We are studying the 17th chapter of the Bhagavad Gita. So far we have completed that man's life consists of four departments. Food, Worship, Austerity and Caring and Sharing. We have completed the third. In our last class, the Lord was talking about the Tamasika type of austerity. In the 19th verse, Modhagrahena Atmanah Yath Pidaya Kriyate Tapah Parasya Uchchadanartham Va Tat Tamasam Udaagritam The austerity that is practiced with a determination based on foolishness non-discrimination by means of torturing oneself or for the purpose of ruining another is declared to be of the nature of Tamas. So that Tapas which is done. How? Atmanah Pidaya Yath Kriyate Tapah That which is done for the sake of torturing one's own self. It means one should never torture one's own self to the extent. Some people flagellate. Some people practice so-called fasting for a long time. Some people stand for years together on one leg. Some people take a vow that I will not sit down and finally their legs become so swollen like elephantine pieces. This is nothing but pure Tamasik austerity which is neither good for the person nor good for the other people. Usually these things are done for the sake of achieving some kind of power. Either they torture themselves or if they get power they torture their indiscriminate people. Parasya Utsatanartham Pinasartham Tattamasam Tapah Udharitham In my last class I mentioned many people do this kind of Tapasya. For what purpose? For the sake of either hypnotizing them, bringing them under their control for harming or killing them or for making them go away, far away and make them suffer. Of course people do not understand because these are the people completely whose wisdom, discrimination is covered up with dense darkness called delusion. They think that they are achieving a lot but they are not aware of the law of karma that sooner or later the result of their evil actions will bear fruit and they will have to pay with compound interest. If we open our eyes and look around how fortunate most of us are. There are people who go on suffering terribly. In comparison with them our suffering is nothing. But if you ask what did these people deserve to suffer like this? Many times the tragedy is that we see these people are good people. They are not doing harm to anybody. They are living their own of course self-centered life but nothing to make other people suffer. Even occasionally they are good also then why God is punishing them? Hinduism never accepts the idea neither God rewards nor punishes. He merely distributes the results of one's own karma phala. That's very important for us to understand. So with this the three major areas, departments of human life is over. Now we are coming to the fourth one which is called dhanam. So what is dhanam? So just like the classification of food, classification of worship and classification of tapas or austerity dhanam or giving in charity is also threefold in terms of the gunas. That is sattvika type of dhanam, rajasika type of dhanam and tamasika type of dhanam. But when I said charity, Ramakrishna gave a beautiful explanation. Even to show sympathy, compassion is unworthy of any good person. Who the hell are you to show compassion to others? You yourself are like the lowest insect crawling in the dense darkness in the murky waters of samsara and you want to show sympathy to others? One unhappy man wants to give truckloads of happiness to other people. Is it possible? It is not possible. So he says no, serve others. There is a deep significance in that statement. When we share something with others in the spirit, in the two spirits, I am serving the other person. The other person is none other than Shiva. Shiva jnane jeeva seva, service to Shiva who is appearing in the guise of every living creature to the extent that we can do it. Then it does antahkarana shuddhi. Not only that, there is a great truth in Hinduism's formulation of the karma theory. Every single penny are sent that we distribute paisa, we share with others with the proper conditions, accompanying conditions. It is really an investment because that will be noted down by the divine accountant and when the right time comes, it comes to us in the form of punya. And this punya or merit is unlike any stock market playing because this gives thousands of percentage of returns in it. And who keeps account? God. That's why I gave God a funny name, Interloka Insurance Company. No insurance company can tell us anything about the other world nor can look after us. But God is one who is keeping an eye 24 hours a day. He has implanted a CCTV within each one of us and gave the power of judgment and the power of reward to that CCTV. This is what in Hinduism we call Chitragupta. Every second what we are doing is noted down and accordingly a person gets the species in which he is born, how long he is going to be in this particular form and what is his quantum of both happiness and unhappiness. Everything depending upon what? Upon the results of karmas done in our past life. So this dhanam has got a deep significance. Why we should care and share? Here are certain thoughts about it. When a person acquires, of course when a person wants to give, first of all he must possess. Without possessing it is impossible to distribute. So we have always to keep that in mind, a person possesses something and then only he can give. So when a person acquires anything, he cannot be happy unless he shares it with others. That is the most natural thing in life. Why? So a person wants to acquire. Supposing, just question. Let us question ourselves. I can have plenty of money. I can have materials, but they won't guarantee my happiness. If this law is understood, will anybody try to use his time, energy and attention, everything, his life? Remember, to acquire anything, whether it is spirituality or worldly possessions, we have to shed our blood drop by drop in the form of time, in the form of energy, in the form of concentration and attention, in the form of awareness. All these things are involved. But once man starts discriminating and he understands that what I want really is not possessions, but I want to be healthy, I want to be happy. Without this happiness, everything becomes a zero. That's why a wise person is one who is a spiritual person, is a wise person. A worldly person is an otherwise wise person. So what is the secret? Secret is happiness cannot be had selfishly. When a person is very selfish, he may possess the entire world, but he can never be happy. When does happiness come? So simple question you put to yourself. Here is a mother and she is very selfish and then she has got a child, here is a woman and she gets married and now she starts sharing with her husband. Her happiness is doubled now because her selfishness is hallowed now and then she gets children and all her love goes towards the children and she is more happy even if she starves, if her children are fed, whatever amount there may be and the mother's heart swells with joy to that extent. This, we are not talking a philosophy, we are not talking about some guessed work, we are talking about practical philosophy. Observe your life. When are you more happy, most happy? You will understand it. There are certain reasons why because first, man is a social being that means if he is bereft of society, he will never be able to survive and being in society, it means caring and sharing at least to some extent and man is also a moral being that means there is something implanted by God. Call it empathy, call it sympathy, call it compassion, whatever it be. So, we put ourselves in the other person's shoes and say, suppose I am in that other person's condition, position, then what do I expect? Therefore, naturally, very instinctively, it is our nature to share. Of course, there are many constrictions like one's religion, one's nationality, one's language, one's culture, one's caste, etc. But he has to be a moral being. We cannot bear suffering even from the viewpoint because whenever we see suffering, we imagine ourselves in that position and that is from where sympathy, empathy arises really. But man is also a spiritual being that means he is one with the entire humanity. Okay, that is the second point. Third, dhanam, means which is caring and sharing, is an expression of love and man cannot live without love. Man can live with everything but without love, he will die. He cannot live. But if man has love, even if he doesn't have anything else, he can live happily. So love again is an expression of man's universality. What does it mean? Man's identity. I am not only this, I am also the other. Four, psychologists unilaterally declare that happiness is directly proportional to a larger identity and sharing. Psychologists usually they don't bring God in, spirituality in. But nowadays, they are realizing this is what spirituality is. Whether God exists or not is a mute point. That is not the real concern, subject. Subject is a person believes that he is one with the larger whole. So if he wants to be happy, his happiness is directly proportional to the amount of sharing and caring he does it. And they declared it unilaterally. Fifth, when a person shares, he feels enlarged and that is real happiness. Now you can bring any number of examples. Just now I gave you a mother, a father, a brother, a sister, a parent and anybody else you can include. Friends also. So that is the real happiness. Six, the greatest understanding is that dhanam is a most intelligent investment about which I mentioned earlier. Though one should not think I am doing it for acquiring merit and that is pure selfishness. But without thinking, with a large heart, if one does it, inevitably punyam will come. One need not think about it because that is the law. Like 2 plus 2 is 4. Then what does it mean? For dhanam, charity, unfortunately that is not a good word but I am using it still. Dhanam confers the greatest result called punyam. And what is punyam? Earlier in my talks I have mentioned punya and papa. Man's actions can be divided into three. Dharma, adharma and neutral. When a man is sleeping, he is not thinking anything. That is called neutral. But when he is aware, then he is doing all his actions either meritorious or vice versa, non-meritorious. And dharma brings punyam. Dharma converts itself into punyam. And adharma converts itself into papa. Now what is the definition of punyam and papa? Punyam means the ability to squeeze happiness, that means to obtain happiness under any circumstances. A man who has got enough punyam, even if he is sleeping in the open in a mosquito ridden place under a railway bridge where above trains are thundering back and forth 24 hours a day, he can sleep happily. And even if he is awake, he is not disturbed because that is the capacity punyam gives to him under any circumstances. That's why it is said that there are two beggars on a street and one beggar is extremely happy and the other beggar is most of the time miserable. When he gets sufficient, he is a little bit happy. When he doesn't get anything, he is the most miserable person. Whereas the second beggar, whether he gets or not, he is extremely happy. So who are these two beggars? One is born as a beggar because of his papa karma. Another was a prince. He was in quest of God and he renounced voluntarily and he is also living like a beggar. But what a difference it makes. So punyam is the ability to obtain happiness even under tortuous circumstances. Whereas papam is to squeeze terrible, indescribable suffering even under air-conditioned in the best of the circumstances. We see so many miserable people unable to live. They commit suicide. That is really, really pathetic. So that is the seventh one that dhanam confers the greatest punyam which is equivalent to making a person very, very happy even if he doesn't have anything. But a person of merit, he will be born shuchi naam shri mataam gehe. It is, there is no doubt about it. Then eighth, our next life depends on this punyam or papam. So it is said in our scriptures, our this life in which species we are born and how long are we going to retain this body and what type of experiences we deserve happy or unhappy. Everything depends upon the results of our last janma. So what we do now that creates our future janma. That means no one is responsible squarely. We ourselves are responsible for what we are going to become in future. So all these spiritual sadhanas, all the scriptures consider three sadhanas as very important, significant and they are specially mentioned in the Upanishads. Especially in a beautiful Upanishad called Brihadaranyaka Upanishad there is this famous statement Tametam Vedanu Vachanena Brahmanaha Vividhi Shanti Ignena Dhanena Tapasa Anesakena A person, a wise people those who understand God alone is the reality is worthy of attaining what do they do? They believe in the scriptures and then they want to attain to God and they voluntarily undertake Igna, worship, dhana, charity tapasa, austerity, anesakena controlling their food or even by fasting. These are the exact four things we have seen. Not exactly in the same order. Food comes first then worship comes next and austerity comes fourth and then only comes dhanam. So these are the four things Remember, Bhagavad Gita is nothing but the essence of this Upanishad Sarva Upanishado Gavo Therefore, if there is no wonder Krishna has taken but for the sake of meters he had to arrange it in this particular way. So Krishna repeats most of the teachings of the Upanishads in this Bhagavad Gita. In fact, it is nothing but essence of all the Upanishads. So, in the next chapter which we are going to come soon 18th and last chapter Same thing he is repeating Igna, that is worship dhana, charity tapasa, austerity Man should never give up these things. Why? These are the things which make a person not only pure but they make also a person even worldly wise worldly happiness also comes. So, having discussed all these things one important point we have to discuss now is So, why are people so selfish so miserly not able to share? The reason because of selfishness man is born selfish see the children and they are born they are ready to receive anything but you give them let the mother give a big bar of chocolate and then after few seconds honey, darling will you give me a little bit immediately they start puts on a miserly face starts even weeping and clenches that chocolate bar that is our natural condition So, people are selfish that's why they are miserly and why are they selfish? because people think that the more we have the more secure we are everyone of us is born with fear that fear we don't use the word fear we use the word insecurity and that is why whenever we see the hands of gods and goddesses especially among Hinduism even in other places also a saint lifts his hand as if he is blessing what is that blessing? do not fear you will be safe you listen to my teachings follow them you will also cross over all sorrows all sufferings and attain immortality So, we are born with fear that fear is called insecurity and this insecurity leads us to misunderstanding what is the misunderstanding? that the more I have the more secure I become this is one of the terrible delusions Eric Fromm the greatest social psychologist had squashed many years back that is there is a beautiful book I mentioned quite a number of times to be or to have do you want to be happy? so he gives umpteen number of examples a man doesn't necessarily become happy just because he has but if he is endowed with wonderful qualities then only he will be a happy person so happiness must come from within oneself not depending upon anything else so there is a beautiful first there is fear fear means insecurity insecurity brings the misunderstanding that the more I have the more safe and secure I am and that is what the whole world is running after now billions and billions even if you give they are holding them so that they can create governmental taxes etc so that is what every country especially third world countries are so called developing countries you see this kind of cruelty how much they are holding even when death is certain they are clinging to these possessions ok but that is a great delusion because as time magazine once brought out a very special issue on happiness and there in I have read several years back and there in he said beyond fulfilling certain basic needs such as food such as shelter such as clothing such as a small bit of you know security with a small job etc happiness cannot be obtained from any anything else even if a person is a billionaire accepting these three conditions there is nothing and here also is a funny thing suppose there is a billionaire even a billionaire has to live his life only for a moment only this moment past is dead future is not yet only the present moment and in this moment if my mind is not having that positive thought that I am a happy person contented person I have more than enough then such a person is a miserable wreck so this is even psychologists sociologists anthropologists they are all talking about this so this is the reason why people don't want to share what they have and this is a seems to be a most natural thing there is a beautiful story in one of our Upanishads once three classes of people the gods men human beings and the demons approached Brahma the creator show us the way and he uttered only one word da da da all the three people heard only da da da and they went away understanding what Brahma had meant what did he mean for the gods who are completely immersed day and night in meaningless mindless enjoyments ephemeral enjoyments of what Sri Ramakrishna calls Kama and Kanchana he says Dhamma Dhammayadhvam control yourself otherwise how long you are going to fall into the greatest misery and so they understood human beings they are selfish people they understood so they said Dhana share care and share nobody is telling that you give away everything not that it will not bring the result it will bring but let us be common sensical at least give that is some part of what you have to those who do not have and there are rules and regulations which we are going to discuss in our class soon so the human beings understood Brahma's teaching Dha that Dhana you are selfish people you care and share with each other and then only you will get what you are your heart is crying for that is Dhana and then the demons are very cruel people so Dhammayadhvam be compassionate take pity do not torture other people and they understood so for the Tamasika people it is that you be kind for the Rajasika people care and share share and care and for the Sattvika people that you get so much happiness share it with other people in a way this is the symbolism so just like food just like worship just like austerity all again this is Dhanam the fourth department most important department or personality of a person is also characterized by Triguna Sattvika Dhana Rajasika Dhana and Tamasika Dhana with this introduction which is most valuable introduction let us discuss the further shlokas 20th verse in the 17th chapter that gift which is made to one who can make who is not in a position to return and with the feeling that it is one's duty to give because it is one's nature to give and which is given at the right time and to a deserving worthy person such a gift is held to be of the nature of Sattva Sattvika Dhanam is being graphically described here so five characteristics are described here then only it becomes a Sattvika Dhanam what is it? the very first thing is Daatavyam I have to give why? because nobody is holding my squeezing my neck and then tell you give and that is a Rajasika type of Dhana but here it is for my own good the scriptures tell us because I am a what is called a debtor I am indebted really to five beings in this world as Hinduism amply illustrates I am indebted to the wise people indebted to the gods and goddesses who are ruling this world because of whose grace I am able to be in this better position I am indebted to my own parents my whole body has come because of them and they have looked after me from the time of conception and as time energy attention everything how much a mother suffers because of the children that's why Latu Maharaj used to say anybody who insults a woman he will go to hell and there is a Manu Dharma Shastra where women are dishonored all Lakshmi Saraswati everything will depart from this world so here is a person he is not asking for any result simply say it is my duty to do it because I am a human being He gives who is not in a position to return it to me because if I expect even parents expect the children to look after them in their old age but no here is a person simply I have to do it let me do it and I don't even think whether the other person is going to return it to me Upakarini means one who is capable of returning Anupakarini just the opposite he may be a beggar he may be anybody else Anupakarini Deshe Kalecha Patrecha and Desha the charity should be given at a very very proper place very important the person to whom we are giving should be a Patra a person who deserves it 100% and who can use it then only that Dhanam is called Satvika type of Dhanam so what are the five so I have to give in charity because I am a returning the thing I have borrowed earlier from all these five people whole life is nothing but this is called Pancha Yagna Pancha Maha Yagna the greatest Yagnas it is nothing but returning back what I have borrowed because I am a returning thing so I have to return for whom Anupakar in the second qualification what is it to people suppose a person gives to people who are capable of returning back that is no need for returning back or returning back to God or coming back to God to return back back back to God this is a charitable thing to return for God has given me this one to me. Ramakrishna used very much this word, you are a trustee. He told Madhur Babu that nothing belongs to you. The Divine Mother has made you a trustee. The business of a trustee is to look after the thing and give it to the right person. When that right person has grown up, he's in a position to receive it and use it. So, dātavya mithi, with the idea that it ought to be given. Anupakāriṇe prati upakāra asamarthāya. Asamarthāya, a person who is incapable of prati upakāra, returning it back. Such a person is called anupakāriṇe, to one who will not be able to return. Samarthāya api. And Shankaracharya adds, he was a master psychologist, supposing somebody is in a good position and at a particular time, he requires some help and then this person, sattvika person, he gives. But even if he comes to know, this person has the capacity to return it. Another type of person is never in a capacity to return. But this person is in a capacity. At this moment, he is not in a capacity, he requires the help. No, samarthāya api, even if the person to whom the sattvika person shares his wealth or anything, it is not only wealth, it could be knowledge, it could be encouragement, it could be giving a lift, it could be speaking very sweetly. In whatever way, samarthāya api, even to one who is capable of, nirāpekshaṁ dīyate, without expectation, oh, that person is not in a position to give at any time, so I don't expect. But this person, he is not capable of giving it to me now, but I expect to give it to me later on when he recovers. Suppose there is a business person whose business has failed and is a very intelligent person, so I feel pity, I know him, he is my friend, I give it to him, a lot of money, but with the expect when he succeeds in his business, he must return it to me. No, absolutely no thought. Take this, it is charity and do whatever you like, you are under no obligation at all. So that is what he says. So we have to keep that in mind. Supposing this person says, well, a helpless person is a different matter, here is a person who is capable of giving, so why not expect it? Then it becomes business arrangement, becomes an investment. Only charity that is given without any expectation or return, even thanksgiving, gratitude, etc., so that is there. People complain, most of us are like that. I helped him so much, I gave him so many things, and he did not even say thanks, or he never remembers me, he never writes to me. This is a big problem we ourselves have created here. And then what type of conditions, other conditions, Bhagavan Krishna is telling, gifts, they must be given anywhere, but they will bear a greater fruit, a greater result will come. What is the result? Remember, a sattvika person doesn't want worldly returns. He wants only spiritual development. For that, he wants right understanding. For that, he wants his mind to be clear of all impurities. This is called chitta shuddhi or antah karna shuddhi. For the purpose of purification of one's own mind or heart, these gifts are given, and they must be given wherever it is needed, irrespective of time, place, etc. But if they are given, this is Shankara's edition, in holy places like Kashi, like Brindavan, like Haridwar, like Rameshwaram, Madurai, Kanchipuram, Tirupati, etc. If it is given, it will bear extraordinary fruit. And why does it do? Deshe, Punye, Kurukshetra, etc. Shankaracharya is in holy places like Kurukshetra, Varanasi, Haridwar, Brindavan, Rameshwaram. Why? What is the reason? Because a lot of people gather, and many people, everybody is not rich. Many people are indigent, and they need help. So many poor people, maybe they get a little money, and somehow they are capable of buying a train ticket, or a bus ticket, and come to this place. Somehow they live there, and they are not able to do further much, even though they feel like doing. Many great people are there like that, good people are there. So, such people require a lot of help. That is why many, many good people, they erect what we call Annakshetras, and Dharmashalas, where people can stay, where people can get food. And for example, I am giving you, that in the Varanasi, where I am staying now, this Annapurna, she is the ruling deity actually. And her husband is depicted as a bhiksha, as a beggar. Every day he has to come and bhavati bhiksham dehi. And only when she gives, his stomach is filled. Otherwise, he has to go without any food. This Annapurna comes to each one of us in the form of Anna. Vayu Devata comes to us in the form of oxygen. Jala Devata comes to us in the form of drinkable water. And Bhu Devata comes to us in the form of food, etc. Agni Devata comes to us in the form of warmth, fire, etc. And Akasha Devata comes to us in the form of opportunity, and space, etc. For doing anything we need, etc. So now you understand, where there is a lot of people, and most of them are not capable of looking after even themselves, for such people, there is so many other people. Some people give food, some people give cloths, some people give shelter, some people give, distribute even money. And strangely in Varanasi, there is a place, I think it is 15 days time to die. If anybody has decided to die in Kashi and come in dire condition, that person without question is allowed to be there for 15 days. But if he survives, he has to find out some other place. But some great soul is doing this kind of service to people. Everywhere, every holy place, you will see this kind of people. If you go to Lodhs, there you will see a lot of Christian nuns and monks, trying to help poor people to take bath, to stay there, and to look after them. This is an ancient custom in every religion. So holy places, because they do a lot of service, this kind of charity gives a lot more punyam than that. And also, because of these so many people thinking about God, the spiritual atmosphere is also maintained. If this charity is not given, people will not be able to come, and they won't be able to think about God. And as a result, you know what happens, it is not possible to maintain that kind of atmosphere. Then he says, at holy times also, that is to say special auspicious times, called a Sankranti Yadav. When the sun starts traversing from the south to the north, or from the north to the south, that day when he starts moving further away or coming nearer, that is called Sankranti. Usually in India, in the month of January, these people celebrate it, and it is called Pongal. The rice that has just been harvested, with that they will cook and add some jaggery, and make it sweet, and offer it as a first offering to the Divine Lord, as thanksgiving, and this is called Pongal. So, at those auspicious times, if somebody does it, then it bears even better results. Why? The reason is, our minds are also lifted to a high tide. This is not a human contraption. There are certain times, when they automatically lift up our minds. Somehow our sages found out on Ekadashi, the 11th lunar day, on Poornima, on Amavasya, and so many, Krishna Janmashtami, Ram Navami, Vanesh Chaturthi, on the Christmas day, and Eid, etc., etc. The mind naturally, most people's mind is tuned to a high degree, and that really helps. At that time, if we can do, then the idea of charity becomes even stronger in memory, and that will make the person even a better person, and that will make him remember God more. Remembrance of God reinforces the idea of charity or unselfishness. Charity, remember, is equivalent to unselfishness. So, and then the next condition, fifth condition, pathreja, deserving recipients. And Shankara, of course, he cannot forget, there are so many brahmanas, who are great pandits, but unfortunately, in India, there is a saying, that where there is learning, wealth is not there. Where there is wealth, learning will be absent. Where there is Lakshmi, Saraswati is absent. Where Saraswati is dominant, Lakshmi is absent. They are what is called co-wives, a tremendous amount of jealousy. This is bunk nonsense. Usually, it is true also, when a person eats up to the neck, there will be what is called kalisthan only in the brain, there will not be enough for higher thoughts, higher studies, swadhya, etc. That is very true. Because when a person is wealthy, temptations are more, it is likely that the person has less time. When the stomach is empty, there is a greater time. If a person is poor, there is a greater time, etc., etc., etc. We have to understand it. So, he says, And what does it mean? It means a pundit who is well-versed in the Vedas, together with their six branches to understand the Vedas and such others. These are very deserving type of candidates. But it doesn't mean only them. It also means these people who are really struggling. It is the responsibility of people in any given society to look after the people, those who are great scientists, great learned people, pundits, etc., because they don't have so much of time, so much of energy to look after themselves. It is for the benefit of all of us only. That's why it should be given to a person. Shraddhanga. What is Shraddhanga? Phonetics. Siksha means phonetics. Kalpa means how to perform rituals. Vyakarana means well-versed in grammar. Jyotisha means astrology and astronomy. Nirukta means etymology of Vedic words. And Chandas means prosody or how to become a poet or write properly, etc. So, not only that. That giving is to be done at the right place and time. Deshai kaalecha, paatrecha. So, what does it mean? Not only holy place, but at the right place. You cannot call a person. He is maybe a beggar. And in a dirty place, you cannot give because the person is a human being or even an animal. It should be respected. Ramana Maharshi is the greatest exemplar. He shared whatever he was eating with everything, with animals, with monkeys, with squirrels, with everything. He used to look upon everything as Brahman. He never used to address them in a lower sense, you. Always that in a great respect, Aap, Apni. Such was the greatness of this Bhagawan, Ramana Maharshi. So, not only at the right place, which is clean, which is pure, and where the person feels very comfortable, etc. And then at the same time also, he is on time. Suppose there is a beggar. He is extremely hungry now. And you just look at him, turn your face away, and walk off. Then you feel guilty. You get up at midnight. This poor fellow, without eating anything, he had fallen asleep. And then you come and then you give something. And this person, he is absolutely disturbed. How does it help? When the person is very hungry, and he needs it, at that time you give. Otherwise, it is an impossible thing. Recently, I have seen a small film, and they say it is a true story. I don't know how true it is, but here it goes. There was a beggar, and then he was sitting there. Somebody had given him a thick coat and other things. And then soon, another bedraggled person comes, and he sits by the side. So they got introduced to each other. The first beggar in America, he is asking, what is your name? What brought you to this state? He said, you know, I was working in an office, and suddenly somebody had... I don't remember exactly the story. And for some silly reason, his boss threw him out, and he did not have any savings or anything. And whatever he had, had been taken away. So he was left only with the clothes he had on. With that, he did not have even a warm clothing. The winter is coming on. The first man, somehow he felt, this man's story rings very true. Immediately, he has taken up the coat, and then he gives, man, I have more than enough. You take these things. Some, many items he gives, a warm clothing, and a small bag, and some, a little bit of money. All these things he gives, you keep it. I don't need it. I have more than enough in another place. Actually, he doesn't have. And then he went away, and he sits somewhere, where he thinks this man, he will not be able to see him. And the first beggar was like that. After a few days, a young man comes in a very expensive car, gets down, and goes and says, that here I have brought, new suits and everything. A big bag, first class suits, everything he dumps on this first beggar. And then he recognizes, are you not that person to whom I have given? Yes, my friend. What happened? What happened is, my luck has changed. So, I applied somewhere. I got the job. This time, I got a, extremely great job, paying very well. Then I remembered, when I was in need, you came, and then you have helped me, without even knowing, whether I am a real beggar or not. And now, I can never forget. Not only that, immediately he says, here is, I have also, made arrangements for you, to stay in a house. Not only that, I am now the manager, of a quite reasonably good company. And you just come, and stay, in that, and work in my company. From Monday onwards, you are hired here. I hope it is a real story. But anyway, these things can happen, anywhere. I have seen people, like that, one or two cases were there, where unknowingly, without expectation, a person helped a poor man, and the poor man had, done one such incident. Just now I recalled, I will share it with you in today's class. You see, there was a young man, and he was a student in a village, and then he studied very hard, and he passed his MA or MSc, whatever, I don't remember now. Remember, this is a true incident. And then, he passed some, civil examinations, and he was made collector, of a district. And the collector has all the powers. And one day, suddenly an old man came, and nobody was paying attention to him. This man, about to go home, he glanced at him. At once he recognized him. And then he asked his peon, open my office, and call this old man. And the old man came shuffling in. He lost all hope. Then, this collector asked him, that what is it, old man? What is it that you wanted? Said, you see, I was a teacher, in such and such a village. He did not recognize his old student. So, I worked for some years. I retired. Now it is more than, 10 years. My pension is, somebody is holding up, and I am starving, and nobody is there to look after me. And I, how many times I came here, they just even don't care to do what. Immediately the collector, he called his people, said, right now, you pass everything, until you do that, you are not going to, get out of this office. And they had no option, but they filled all his forms, and passed his pension. And then the old man, got up and said, why are you doing this thing to me, young man? Then he revealed himself and said, Sir, don't you remember, with what loving care, you taught all of us. I was one of your students, and for a few years I studied under you. I remember with what great love, you used to look after us, call us and teach us, and explain again and again. Now by God's grace, and because of your, great love, I have been able to pass my civil examinations, and I landed this job, and when I saw you, I remembered. Not only that, the story doesn't end there. Of course the teacher's eyes, became wet with tears, he thanked his student, and went away. This is the condition in India, I don't know now, until few years back, even Jaharlal Nehru, had to face this problem. Now, this collector, he next day itself he said, how many such pending cases are there, whose pensions, you are not passing the files, and withholding for years together, and he forced them, every single one, that must be immediately fulfilled, and unfortunately so many, pensioners have died by that time, not only from that, he made a rule, so long as he was there, that, as soon as such an application comes, examine it properly, if everything is okay, immediately you pass it. Of course, people are selfish, they will not follow, but at least so long as he was there, he was able to do it. So this Dana, in so many ways Pratipala will come. So if we each other, are capable of, thinking in this way, trying to help each other, society would be far better. So this is what is Sattvika Dana, we will discuss these points in our next class. Om Vasudeva Sutam Devam, Kamsa Janura Mardanam, Devaki Paramanandam, Krishnam Vande Jagadgurum. May Ramakrishna, Holy Mother, Swami Vivekananda, bless us all with Bhakti. Jai Ramakrishna.