Poor Man’s Hut – In Gita Verse 17.20 Charity given out of duty, without expectation of return, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person is considered to be in the mode of goodness.
In Bhagavad Gita Verse 17.20, Krishna highlights the significance of charity or sharing in the mode of goodness. When a person shares out of a sense of duty, without desiring anything in return, at the right time and place, and to a deserving individual, it is considered a noble act that aligns with the quality of goodness in a person.
According to this teaching, when someone gives generously and selflessly, recognising the needs of others and acting upon it without any ulterior motives, it reflects a pure intention and a compassionate heart. The act of charity done in this manner not only uplifts the recipient but also brings inner fulfilment and spiritual growth to the giver.
By emphasising the importance of right timing and selecting a worthy recipient, Krishna teaches us the essence of mindful giving. Sharing in the mode of goodness involves a deep understanding of the needs of others, a sense of responsibility towards society, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact without expecting anything in return.
I have always cherished a small Sufi that I would like to share with all of you to understand the essence of sharing.
The Richness of Sharing – The Story of the Poor Man’s Hut
Once upon a time, in a dense forest, there lived a poor woodcutter with his wife in a small hut. The hut was so tiny that it could barely accommodate the woodcutter and his wife, leaving very little room for anything else. Despite their meagre belongings, the couple lived contentedly in their humble abode, surrounded by the tranquillity of nature.
One dark and stormy night, as rain poured heavily outside, a weary traveller lost in the forest knocked on their hut’s door seeking shelter. The kind woodcutter urged his wife to open the door, emphasising the urgency of the situation. His wife hesitated, mentioning the lack of space in their tiny dwelling. However, the woodcutter reassured her that they could make room for one more and insisted on welcoming the weary traveller inside.
Gratefully, the traveller entered the hut, and soon the woodcutter, his wife, and the guest found themselves conversing and sharing stories to pass the restless night. Just as they began to settle, another knock was heard at the door. The woodcutter, now sitting near the entrance, wasted no time in inviting the next traveller inside, despite the limited space.
With each new arrival, the tiny hut grew increasingly crowded, yet the woodcutter’s generosity and warmth knew no bounds. When a fourth visitor, not a man but a donkey, appeared at the door seeking refuge from the rain, the woodcutter’s guests expressed disbelief at the idea of accommodating the donkey within their already cramped quarters.
Undeterred by their concerns, the woodcutter, in a display of unwavering compassion, decided to welcome the donkey into the hut as well. He assured his guests that there was always room for one more in a poor man’s dwelling. As the donkey joined them inside, dripping with rainwater, the woodcutter arranged the guests around the animal, creating a cosy and inclusive space for all.
Despite the initial reservations of his guests, the woodcutter’s act of sharing and hospitality prevailed, transforming the once-cramped hut into a sanctuary of warmth and camaraderie. Through his selfless actions, the woodcutter exemplified the true essence of sharing, demonstrating that richness lies not in material possessions but in the generosity of spirit and the willingness to embrace others with open hearts.
As the storm raged outside, the inhabitants of the small hut found solace and unity in their shared experience, discovering that the true wealth of life comes from the richness of one’s heart and the boundless capacity for compassion and empathy. In that humble abode in the heart of the forest, amidst the rain and darkness, the woodcutter and his guests experienced the profound richness that comes from the act of selfless sharing and the joy of communal harmony.
Ultimately, this verse encourages us to cultivate a spirit of selflessness, generosity, and kindness in our actions towards others, recognising that true sharing comes from the heart and contributes to the well-being of all beings.
Krishna, when discussing charity, emphasises that sharing whatever you have in that moment, without hesitation or greed, is considered to be in the mode of goodness.
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