Speech of HH Sri Ganapathy Sachchidananda Swamiji – Sookti – April 6, 2020 – Mysore
Compiled by Parimala Eshwarla
Vŗthā vŗṣṭiḥ samudreṣu, vŗthā tŗptasya bhōjanaṃ
Vŗthā dānaṃ samarthēbhyaḥ vŗthā dīpō divāpi ca ǁ
Heavy rains over the ocean are a sheer waste. Feeding a person who has already had a sumptuous meal is a waste. Offering charity to a person who is soaking in wealth is a waste. The lamp, which is effective in dispelling darkness, becomes a waste during daytime, doesn’t it?
Nirarthakāt nirvēdo jāyatē- said Maharishi Vyasa in Mahabharata. In other words, it implies that, we must think carefully and perform a deed such that everyone benefits from it. A task from which no one benefits is only a mental stress which leads to agitation. At times, although the benefit is not externally visible, the benefits are many. The intelligent person must probe into the deed and scrutinize the benefits.
Rain is crucial for the lands. The earth, that has cracked up due to intense heat can heal only due to abundant rain. Only when it rains properly, the farmer can sow seeds and reap a good harvest. But, the same clouds shower the rain in rivers and oceans too! What is the benefit of pouring water into rivers and oceans? Nothing. It is a sheer waste.
The truth is that Mahatmas distribute their wealth evenly without distinctions such as, ‘this person belongs to me; this person does not belong to me’. In the process, the Lord of rain showers his wealth i.e. rainfall equally on oceans and on plains!
Our scriptures exhort us to perform annadana. Sarveśvapi dānēṣu annadānam viśīśyatē- say our elders. No matter how much ever a person receives in charity, he always seeks more. However, when offered sumptuous food, he will stop when his stomach is full and will leave contentedly while showering the blessing, ‘annadāta sukhībhava’- may the giver of the food be blessed with happiness’. But yet, even such offering of food brings joy only to him who is hungry. It will not appease a person who is not hungry. Therefore, offering food to a person who is not hungry is an absolute waste!
Our Scriptures exhort us to offer charity only to the worthy. What is the definition of a worthy man? One interpretation is to offer those who are in dire need of it. Another interpretation is to offer one who is learned in Vedas and Shastras. In other words, the person who is accepting the donation must have the eligibility to receive the offering. Due to acceptance of the offering, the person may also be inviting some unforeseen planetary troubles. Therefore, there is a rule that a person who accepts charities must immediately chant Gayatri mantra or the mantra received as initiation from Sadguru for a thousand times. Through the result that is generated due to this mantra chanting, he must alleviate the troubles that have come to him as a result of receiving the charity. This is the reason it is said that the person receiving the donation must have in him the worthiness to receive.
Charity offered to a person who lacks worthiness goes for a sheer waste. In the darkness of the night, the lamp has a very important role the play. Will the lamp be of any use when lit during broad daylight? In this way, this sookti enlightens us about the characteristics of charities.