Giving: A Universal Virtue
Giving is an act that transcends cultures, religions, and societies. It has always been revered as a noble virtue, one that uplifts both the giver and the receiver. Across all major religions, giving is seen as a way to enrich the soul, foster connection, and bring balance to the world. Yet, the true essence of giving is often misunderstood.
In times of illness, hardship, or at the suggestion of spiritual leaders, many people start giving with the expectation of receiving blessings in return. This interpretation, though common, misses the broader and more profound meaning of giving. The philosophy that “the more you give, the more you will receive” does not imply that giving is transactional.
True giving is not about simply donating money or material goods to the underprivileged with a vested interest in gaining blessings later.
Giving is much more. It involves paying people what is owed to them, not negotiating or trying to exploit someone’s vulnerability. Giving is also about giving credit, giving respect, giving honour, and giving without a selfish motive. It includes giving what is due, without expectations, to enhance someone else’s life.
Giving can be as simple as offering a smile, giving a compliment, or showing encouragement, all without any personal gain.
Giving Beyond Material Wealth
While many associate giving with material charity—such as donating money, clothes, or food to those in need—religions worldwide emphasize that giving is not confined to physical goods. True giving also includes emotional, spiritual, and moral dimensions.
Our modern-day mentors like Deepak Chopra, Robin Sharma, Oprah Winfrey, Anthony Robbins, and T. Harv Eker frequently discuss the importance of giving in their teachings. They remind us that giving doesn’t have to be material. It can be time, wisdom, or kindness, all of which have far-reaching benefits.
Giving What is Due: Honour, Respect, and Fairness
An often-overlooked aspect of giving is fairness and justice. Giving is not just about charity but about treating people with integrity and fairness. It’s about paying people what is rightfully theirs, whether that’s a fair wage for their labour or recognition for their contributions.
Consider the people we interact with daily—our maids, garbage collectors, and helpers. Do we pay them fairly? Instead of negotiating down because the job was quick or simple, why not give a little extra to brighten their day? That small act of generosity may not cost you much, but to them, it can mean everything. Losing 100 rupees may seem insignificant to you, but it might be a memory they carry with them forever. Imagine the genuine blessings that come your way!
Giving is also about acknowledging contributions, whether from a fresher at work, a child at home, or a younger sibling. Offering praise, giving credit for a job well done, and recognising others’ efforts can go a long way in nurturing positive relationships.
There are also moments where you could take advantage of someone’s oversight—perhaps a vendor forgets to charge you for an item. Instead of walking away, you choose to pay what’s owed, and that act of honesty will stay with them.
Sometimes, we wonder why things aren’t going our way—appliances break down, there’s illness in the house, or unexpected expenses pile up. Often, these issues arise when we owe something to someone, be it money or respect. Failing to settle our dues can create unseen ripples. If you deprive a daily wager of 100 rupees, a sum that could have fed his family, you may lose that same amount in a doctor’s fee or a repair bill.
Giving is not just an act of kindness but of fairness. When we live fairly and give what is owed, life flows smoothly.
Giving Without Negotiation
Negotiating for a fair price is not wrong, but sometimes we need to recognise when it’s time to pay full value for services rendered. For instance, the courses and teachings you encounter, often built on years of experience and hard work, are designed to provide immense value. They’ve been crafted with precision by teams dedicated to making knowledge accessible to you. The least you can do is pay the appropriate price and fully commit to the learning offered. This is another form of giving—giving back for the value you are receiving.
Conclusion: The Broader Meaning of Giving
Giving, when done with a pure heart and without expectation, is a force for good in the world. All religions and philosophies teach us that the act of giving is not just about material exchange but about improving the lives of others and, in turn, enriching our own. Whether it’s paying what is due, giving respect, or simply offering a smile, giving is a way to bring light into the lives of others. And in doing so, we receive blessings that cannot be measured in material terms.
Giving, in its truest form, is a way of life. It fosters connections, builds trust, and brings joy—not only to the receiver but also to the giver. When we embrace the philosophy of giving as a selfless act, we open ourselves to a more harmonious, balanced, and fulfilling life.
1st comment for the essay – the title beautifully encapsulates the core message that giving, when done selflessly and without expectation, naturally brings blessings and rewards. The title also evokes a sense of growth and reciprocity, reflecting the idea that giving plants the seeds for future positive returns, both emotionally and spiritually.