Giving from the heart

I have often been fascinated with the predominantly eastern concept of giving money according to one’s capacity for certain kind of services rendered. From road entertainment shows by snake charmers and animal entertainers to the traditional guru-shishya form of education extending to more sacred places like temples and gurudwaras, financial contribution has always been voluntary and never as a ‘fee’. If you don’t have material means, your contribution could be in the form of ‘seva’. There is no financial obligation or a minimum level of work input imposed on the seeker.

The philosophy behind it serves both economic or practical ends while relating it harmoniously with the spiritual dimension. Moreover, when you give out of ‘shraddha’ or devotion or from a sense of free will, you end up giving more than a price tag - usually. Giving in places of worship is often an anonymous affair, where the devotee simply places at the feet of the master or lord whatever he or she can offer. This practice is being replaced in modern times by spiritual ‘workshops’ or programmes. Even in temples you are issued a ‘receipt’ for a contribution - a practice meant to curb misuse of funds.

With the emerging of new ways of life, spiritual guidance or service is also seen if not branded as a ‘service’ - in the same category as services in telecommunication, education or medicine. So, just as you pay fees to send your child to school or to the doctor for his advice and prescription, you go to reiki, meditation, spiritual sessions for a ‘fee’.

This form of exchange has its emotional, if not spiritual implications. Firstly, the element of ‘awe’ is diminished and a sense of gratitude may or may not develop depending on whether the individual responds and gains from a particular programme or a teacher. Giving freely becomes an act that reflects the condition of the mind – does a seeker give out of obligation, gratitude, love, or mechanically. Of course, charging a regular fee keeps idle curiosity mongers at bay because there is no enticing ‘free’ tag, but money is not always the best filter, there will always be those who can afford to pay and play.

- Harvinder Kaur