Mr and Mrs Kapoor lived on the top floor of a high-rise building. For several years after they moved into their apartment, the other flat on their floor remained vacant, as the owners lived abroad, and were not likely to live here. The Kapoors were very happy with that they had exclusive use of the common terrace.They enjoyed the common areas and said, "I am monarch of all that I survey".
Nearly ten years later, the neighbours returned.Kapoors were dismayed when they heard the din, bustle and laughter of children and adults as their new neighbors settled in. Soon, the doorbell rang. Mr Kapoor who had been looking through the peep-hole tiptoed back into the living room and said to his wife, "They are here! The lady is carrying a bowl." "What a nuisance," sighed Mrs Kapoor. "I daresay she has come to borrow sugar or , tea or some such thing." "Don’t encourage those kind of things!" hissed Mr Kapoor. "Turn them away immediately. Otherwise they will start knocking at our door for every little reason". With her lips firmly pursued and a hostile frown on her brows Mrs Kapoor walked up to the door and opened it unsmilingly. "Good morning!" greeted the couple at the door. The lady held out a crystal bowl filled with delicious mithai and dry fruits. "We are your new neighbours and we have brought you a little prasad from our house-warming puja!" With a little gesture of friendship, the neighbours had won over the selfish Kapoors.
Charity may begin at home, but it would indeed be a pity if it stays there. Sadhu T L Vaswani would say: Give! Give! Give! Give not only to those you love – but also to those who do not love you. Give especially to the unfortunate and the deprived – give to those who you don’t want to give! You will receive much from your giving – you can achieve freedom from fear!" I know many wealthy men who constantly live in fear of losing their profits. Even their blood pressure seems to rise and fall with the rise and fall of shares in the stock market. They fear taxes; they fear raids; they fear falling interest rates. It is not just money that makes a man rich. He who gives is richer than he who hoards his wealth, for the hoarder is under psychological pressure – constantly worried about losing what he has. Such a man is impoverished – regardless of how much he has.
When you give, you experience spiritual power, well-being and vitality. When you give, you experience an overflowing sense of abundance and joy. This is why giving is so much more joyous than receiving. The greatest gifts are those of love, encouragement, inspiration, compassion and forgiveness.
