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Commentary: This instruction applies to those who are earning and have an income. They can plan their expenditure and can save money and keep some for charity. Saving is necessary and expenditure is inevitable, but charity is indispensable. It instils the spirit of sharing and giving, kindness and compassion. It ennobles the human nature and expands the heart.
Many many are the benefits of charity. Charity is not only giving and sharing. This also means a charitable disposition. Forgive and forget and return good to those who think evil of you. Your forgiveness, tolerance, goodwill and good nature are characteristics of a charitable disposition. Not suspecting others or attributing ulterior motives to others and not jumping to conclusions are also the characteristics of a charitable disposition.
If you are able to spend a certain percentage of your income in charity—say, 1/10th or 1/20th part of your income—that is the best way.
Gurudeva (Swami Sivananda) says, "Doing abundant charity to relieve the pains of suffering humanity is an effective means to destroy your evil nature. Give (your) money like water. If you give, the wealth of the whole world will be yours. Money will come to you. This is the law of nature. Therefore, give, give and give!"
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