Psychology of Hinduism - Part III

Donating money to god

Psychology of Hinduism - Part I
Psychology of Hinduism - Part II

You don't donate money to god. You donate money to the temple. Why do you do that ? Why is it good karma to donate money ? All major religions recommend in one form or the other to make you part with some of your hard earned money, why ?

Wealth sharing, and social security to some extent. Temples, hand out food and do other charitable activities. You might ask, the proportion of money raised vs the money reaching the needy in some form or the other don't add up. The answer is not in stopping donations, but put in process/checks in place to stop misappropriation. (Long shot, we live in a morally corrupt society I know) - I like to quote a beautiful poem

விழலுக்கு இறைத்த நீர்  வாய்கால் வழியோடி
புல்லுக்கும் ஆங்கே புசயுமாம் அதுபோல
நல்லார் ஒருவர் உளரேல் அவர் பொருட்டு
எல்லார்க்கும் பெயும்மம் மழை.

The a rough translation :

Even if there is a one good person in the world, for that person's sake, rain showers on everyone just like an irrigation channel that feeds not only paddy but weeds too.


Therefore, even if there is misappropriation of money, and corruption in temples, My donation is worth even if it reaches a single person in need of help.

Coming up next - Rituals : Sacrifice, Fasting, Self mortification.