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Giving
to Charity
By Paul
Jerard
With all the news about natural disasters happening
everywhere, the world has enthusiastically reached
into its pockets to help. News about goodwill,
good deeds, and acts of kindness, should be regularly
broadcasted, but maybe bad news is more profitable
to broadcast.
However, let me stick to the point of this article.
In order for nature, and the universe, to flow
in harmony, we should all regularly give to charities,
whenever it is possible to help someone in need.
This is practicing Yoga "off the mat."
"Saving for a rainy day" is one thing, and hording
money, is quite another matter. By all means,
save some money, but always remember to give to
those in need, without expecting something in
return.
To put it simply, selfishness creates a dead
end, or stagnation, within the universal flow
of all things. The universal law of cause and
effect (karma) will always override.
Just as stagnation within your body is unhealthy,
the same law applies to the universe and all things
within in it, including money. Stagnation will
cause an infection of the body, mind, or spirit.
This is the exact opposite of Yoga practice, where
we seek to unify body, mind, and spirit in harmony.
Remember Nishkamya Bhakti, and take the time
to research the meaning of the word again. We
should give unconditionally without pursuing a
reward. It is also good to give anonymously and
not to tell anyone. Giving is also good for your
inner being and your self worth.
Take notice of how lucky you are in this life.
Be content with what you have by appreciating
your family, friends, and achievements. Look at
the improvements and rewards you have seen, since
you started practicing Yoga.
I will leave you with a short story and something
to think about. Last Christmas season, a man,
who was dressed as Santa Claus, worked outside
a local store with a legitimate charity's sign
and donations bucket. Many people, including me,
gave to him.
Within a few days, local police had chased this
man through the parking lot and arrested him.
It had been discovered that this man was allegedly
an imposter and did not represent a charity at
all.
Is this man a criminal? I think not – he was
a beggar who practiced deception. In some countries
and cultures, like mine, begging is not tolerated
at all. This man resorted to deception in order
to beg. He did not rob people of their money.
This is not an endorsement of deception or begging,
but I want to make you aware of the fact that
when you give to a beggar, that is charity too.
Don't worry about which charity to give to - just
give something. There are good forces at work
that will distribute your donations evenly.
Always remember that Yoga is for the improvement
of physical, mental, and spiritual health. If
you think Yoga is only about physical mastery,
asanas, and a beautiful body, you have missed
the "big picture." Yoga offers so many benefits
for mental and spiritual health, that they should
never be ignored.
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of
Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center,
in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified
Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master
instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black
Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials,
and was recently inducted into the USA Martial
Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts,
and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in
the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote:
Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For
Yoga students, who may be considering a new career
as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
Article Source: EzineArticles.com/ |
