Are you a Giver or Taker?

Are you a giver or a taker? I am a taker but would like to transition to being a giver more and more. I feel in all of our actions there is always room to improve ourselves. Giving without acknowledgment is even better as that humbles us in many ways. In this world of sense gratification we are addicted to so many things. Many people are addicted to food, sex, gambling, drugs, their phones, shopping, the internet or other subtler forms of addictions like wanting praise, validation and acknowledgement. The mindset needs to change as it’s our sense gratification that makes us take and not give.

Right from the moment we wake up to the moment we sleep we have ample opportunities to practice giving. Start from giving ourselves loving kindness and starting the day on a positive note. End the day in silence which gives us a recap of our day. Everyday can bring hope for the next. Whether it’s the practice of devotion or it’s our work, or home, we can slip in some giving here and there. The biggest understanding is that all addictions are coming from a very selfish standpoint. We want want want some pleasure to appease us at all times. So it’s take take take. Our senses go out of control. Addictions come from a very egotistical standpoint where it’s all about ‘ME’ and how do I satisfy my needs. When I look at addiction in this manner I can see there is so much I need to practice. The entire consumerism concept is based on ‘MY’ satisfaction and whatever I see in my vision is for my enjoyment. As an example, when we eat something without first offering it to the Lord, essentially we are taking something that does not belong to us. Even if we have to mentally offer to the Lord, as it’s all been given by Him so we don’t just take and consume, we offer first then consume as His prasad (blessed food).

Giving can also be egotistical if one seeks a reward or a pat on the back. But giving selflessly is the goal as the gratification comes on its own accord. A helping hand, a smile, a hug, sweet words, a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on will be remembered by another. It does come full circle when we need to take as we get that loving kindness from another. Understanding that the Lord is using us as an instrument to give those that really need it. Random acts of kindness are not so random after all, but are rather arrangements of the Lord through us to help those in need.

I feel the ultimate giving would be to give Lord Krishna our undivided attention when we serve Him or when we practice any form of chanting or meditation. Not seeking our happiness but thinking of the Lord’s happiness is the goal of life. Giving our mind, body and words to the Lord is full surrender. That will be very pleasing to the Lord and will make Him happy.