Generosity as a virtue

However bright, developed and victorious the world may be, there is always a part of it which is dark, undeveloped and vanquished. Which means that there are always some people who need help just to thrive, even after however highly progressed the others may be.

One of the prime differences between us humans and other animals is our supreme intellect. We are able to understand, feel and relate to others; maybe not exactly, but we can relate to them in some way or the other.

Because of our intelligence, we are able to think and feel about other people and creatures, and are able to relate to them. In a way, we know that the other person needs help.

Generosity is one of the signatures of humane actions. Humane actions are what distinguish us from other animals as they don't have the intellect to think about these things. A person’s generosity towards anything, be it animals, other people, or other creatures defines their personality and expresses that they do have a kind heart.

In ancient India, people were taught to think of the whole world as their family. Just these two words below, define the entire idea:

वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् 

(vasudhaiva kutumbakam)

If we directly translate this, “वसुधा” (vasudha) means the earth or the world; and “कुटुम्बकम्” (kutumbakam) is the Sanskrit word for “home” or “family”. So this translates to “the whole world is a big family”.

Ancient Indians were taught this because in Indian philosophies, the world and the beings on this world were thought of as family by the Indians. They thought just like people value, guide and protect their family; they should also value, guide and protect the entire world, because it is also their family. Some people still follow this principle, and try their best to do good to others, in whatever way they can.

If you would ask me why should I be generous, I'd answer by saying that it would benefit both sides. The giver, finds it peaceful and calm from within, something which you would only understand after experiencing and doing such a deed. The taker is getting the help he was longing and hoping for, and he would be grateful towards the giver for helping him in such a situation. Both the giver and taker get pleased wholeheartedly, and so a generous action is good both for the giver and the receiver.

Just like a river doesn’t dry after quenching the thirst of an animal, similarly one’s wealth doesn’t decline if he wills to donate a small portion of it for the benefit of others. So, if you encourage yourself to do good to others, then you can do it however you want, or whatever your capability is. If you are able to share something with someone without a second thought, then truly you have a kind and generous heart. So encourage yourself and others who are privileged enough to help others who are unfortunate, and show your kindness not only to people, but also to other beings living on this earth, because the whole world is a big family.