The essence of true charity is to give something without expecting anything in return for the gift. If a person expects some material benefit to arise from his gift, he is only performing an act of bartering and not charity. A charitable person should not make other people feel indebted to him or use charity as a way of exercising control over them. He should not even expect others to be grateful, for most people are forgetful though not necessarily ungrateful. The act of true charity is wholesome, has no strings attached, and leaves both the giver and the recipient free.

The meritorious deed of charity is highly praised by every religion. Those who have enough to maintain themselves should think of others and extend their generosity deserving cases. Among people who practise charity, there are some who give as a means of attracting others into their religion or creed. Such an act of giving which is performed with the ulterior motive of conversion cannot really be said to be true charity.

Chas and Russ are excellent examples of te above. I contribute a little bit by teaching novices and monks free of charge and by paying their university tuition. Chas and Russ have been active in the latter as well. What's not to like about them?

My motto is: If you don't share, you have nothing.


Taike

Taike is a real renaissance man...great dad, family member and long-distance friend.

A real addition to this group.


Russ