GIVING TO THE POOR

In Buddhism, alms or almsgiving is the respect given by a lay Buddhist
Householder (Buddhism)


In English translations of Buddhist literature, householder denotes a variety of terms. Most broadly, it refers to any layperson, and most narrowly, to a wealthy and prestigious familial patriarch....
 to a Buddhist monk
Bhikkhu


A Bhikkhu , Bhiksu is a fully ordained male Buddhism monastic. Female monastics are called Bhikkhunis . Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis keep many precepts: they live by the vinaya's framework of monastic discipline, the basic rules of which are called the patimokkha....
 or nun. It is not charity as presumed by Western interpreters. It is closer to a symbolic connection to the spiritual and to show humbleness and respect in the presence of normal society. The visible presence of monks and nuns is a stabilizing influence. The act of alms giving assists in connecting the human to the monk or nun and what he/she represents. As the Buddha has stated:


    Householders & the homeless [monastics]
    in mutual dependence
    both reach the true Dhamma.... (Itivuttaka 4.7) 






In Theravada
Theravada


Theravada...
 Buddhism, monks (Pali
Páli


P?li is a village in Gyor-Moson-Sopron county, Hungary.External links...
: bhikkhu
Bhikkhu


A Bhikkhu , Bhiksu is a fully ordained male Buddhism monastic. Female monastics are called Bhikkhunis . Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis keep many precepts: they live by the vinaya's framework of monastic discipline, the basic rules of which are called the patimokkha....
s)and nuns go on a daily almsround (or pindacara) to collect food. This is often perceived as giving the laypeople the opportunity to make merit (Pali: puñña
Merit (Buddhism)


Merit is a concept in Buddhism, and particularly in Theravada Buddhism. Merit can be gained in a number of ways. It is merit that accumulates as a result of good deeds, acts or thoughts and that carries over to later in life or to a person's next birth....
). Money should not be accepted by a Buddhist monk or nun, although nowadays not many monks and nuns keep to this rule (the exception being the monks and nuns of the Thai Forest Tradition
Thai Forest Tradition


The Thai Forest Tradition is a tradition of Buddhist monasticism within Buddhism in Thailand Theravada Buddhism. It uses remote wilderness and forest dwellings as training grounds for spiritual practice....
 and other Theravada
Theravada


Theravada...
 traditions which focus on vinaya
Vinaya


The Vinaya is the regulatory framework for the Buddhist monastic community, or sangha, based in the canonical texts called Vinaya Pitaka. The teachings of the Gautama Buddha, or Buddhadharma can be divided into two broad categories: 'Dharma' or doctrine, and 'Vinaya', or discipline....
 and meditation
Meditation


Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to get beyond the reflexive, "thinking" mind into a deeper state of relaxation or awareness....
 practice). In countries that follow Mahayana
Mahayana


Mahayana is one of the two main existing schools of Buddhism and a term for classification of Buddhist philosophy and practice. It was History of Buddhism in India....
 Buddhism, it has been impractical for monks to go on a daily almsround. In China, Korea and Japan, monasteries were situated in remote mountain areas where it could take days to reach the nearest town, thus making the daily almsround impossible. In Japan, the practice of a weekly or monthly takuhatsu
Takuhatsu


Takuhatsu is a traditional form of alms, common to Buddhism monks in Japan. In the practice of takuhatsu, monks travel to various businesses and residences in order to exchange chanting of sutras in Sino-Japanese for donations of food and money....
 took its place. In the Himalayan countries, the large number of bikshus would have made an almsround a heavy burden on families. Competition with other religions for support also made daily almsrounds difficult and even dangerous; the first monks in the Shilla dynasty of Korea were said to be beaten due to the Buddhist minority at the time.


In Buddhism, both "almsgiving" and, more generally, "giving" are called "dana
Dana (Buddhism)


Dana is a Sanskrit and Pali term meaning "generosity" or "giving". In Buddhism, it also refers to the practice of cultivating generosity. Ultimately, the practice culminates in one of the Perfections : the Perfection of Giving ....
" (Pali). Such giving is one of the three elements of the path of practice as formulated by the Buddha
Gautama Buddha


Siddhartha Gautama was a Spirituality teacher in the northern region of the Indian subcontinent who founded Buddhism. He is generally seen by Buddhists as the Supreme Buddhahood of our age....
 for laypeople. This path of practice for laypeople is: dana
Dana (Buddhism)


Dana is a Sanskrit and Pali term meaning "generosity" or "giving". In Buddhism, it also refers to the practice of cultivating generosity. Ultimately, the practice culminates in one of the Perfections : the Perfection of Giving ....
, sila
Sila


Sila or sila is usually rendered into English as "virtue"; other translations include "good conduct," "morality" "moral discipline." and "precept." It is an action that is an intentional effort....
, bhavana
Samadhi (Buddhism)


In Buddhism, samadhi is mental concentration or composing the mind.In the Pali literature, samadhi is found in the following contexts:* In the Noble Eightfold Path, "right concentration" is the eighth path factor....
.


Generosity is also expressed towards other sentient beings as both a cause for merit and to aid the receiver of the gift. It is accepted that although the three jewels of refuge
Three Jewels


The Three Jewels, also called the Three Treasures, the Three Refuges, or the Triple Gem, are the three things that Buddhists take refuge in, and look toward for guidance, in the process known as refuge ....
 are the basis of the greatest merit, by seeing other sentient beings as having Buddhanature and making offerings towards the aspirational Buddha to be within them is of equal benefit. Generosity towards other sentient beings is greatly emphasised in Mahayana as one of the perfections (paramita
Paramita


The term Paramita or Parami means "Perfect" or "Perfection". In Buddhism, the Paramitas refer to the perfection or culmination of certain virtues....
) as shown in Lama Tsong Khapa's
Je Tsongkhapa


Tsongkhapa , whose name means "The Man from Onion Valley", was a famous teacher of Tibetan Buddhism whose activities led later to the formation of the Geluk school....
 'The Abbreviated Points of the Graded Path' (Tibetan: lam-rim bsdus-don):


    "Total willingness to give is the wish-granting gem for fulfilling the hopes of wandering beings.
    It is the sharpest weapon to sever the knot of stinginess.
    It leads to bodhisattva
    Bodhisattva


    In the Buddhist context, a bodhisattva means either "enlightened existence " or "enlightenment-being" or, given the variant Sanskrit spelling satva rather than sattva, "heroic-minded one for enlightenment "....
     conduct that enhances self-confidence and courage,
    And is the basis for universal proclamation of your fame and repute.
    Realizing this, the wise rely, in a healthy manner, on the outstanding path
    Of (being ever-willing) to offer completely their bodies, possessions, and positive potentials.
    The ever-vigilant lama has practiced like that.
    If you too would seek liberation,
    Please cultivate yourself in the same way." 






In Buddhism
Buddhism


Buddhism is a family of beliefs and practices considered by most to be a religionand is based on the teachings attributed to Siddhartha Gautama, commonly known as "The Buddha" , who was born in what is today Nepal....
, giving of alms is the beginning of one's journey to Nirvana
Nirvana


In sramana thought, Nirvana is the state of being free from both dukkha and the cycle of rebirth. It is an important concept in Buddhism and Jainism....
 (Pali: nibbana). In practice, one can give anything with or without thought for Nibbana. This would lead to faith (Pali: saddha), one key power (Pali: bala) that one should generate within oneself for the Buddha
Gautama Buddha


Siddhartha Gautama was a Spirituality teacher in the northern region of the Indian subcontinent who founded Buddhism. He is generally seen by Buddhists as the Supreme Buddhahood of our age....
, Dhamma and Sangha
Sangha


Sangha is a word in Pali or Sanskrit that can be translated roughly as "association" or "assembly," "company" or "community" with common goal, vision or purpose....
.


The motives behind giving plays important role in developing spiritual qualities. The suttas record various motives for exercising generosity. The Anguttara Nikaya (A.iv,236) enumerates the following eight motives:


1. Asajja danam deti: one gives with annoyance, or as a way of offending the recipient, or with the idea of insulting him. 2. Bhaya danam deti: fear also can motivate a person to make an offering. 3. Adasi me ti danam deti: one gives in return for a favor done to oneself in the past. 4. Dassati me ti danam deti one also may give with the hope of getting a similar favor for oneself in the future. 5. Sadhu danan ti danam deti: one gives because giving is considered good. 6. Aham pacami, ime ne pacanti, na arahami pacanto apacantanam adatun ti danam deti: "I cook, they do not cook. It is not proper for me who cooks not to give to those who do not cook." Some give urged by such altruistic motives. 7. Imam me danam dadato kalyano kittisaddo abbhuggacchati ti danam deti: some give alms to gain a good reputation. 8. Cittalankara-cittaparikkarattham danam deti: still others give alms to adorn and beautify the mind. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/various/wheel367.html


According to the Pali canon
Pali Canon


The Pali Canon is the standard collection of scriptures in the Theravada Buddhism tradition, as preserved in the Pali. It is the only completely surviving Early Buddhist schools canon, and one of the first to be written down....
:


    Of all gifts [alms], the gift of Dhamma is the highest. (Dhp.
    Dhammapada


    The Dhammapada is a versified Buddhism scripture traditionally ascribed to the Gautama Buddha himself. It is one of the best-known texts from the Theravada Pali Canon....
     XXIV v. 354) 




Hinduism


Bhiksha




Bhiksha is food obtained by asking for alms. Bhiksha signifies a Hindu tradition of begging for alms with the purpose of self-effacement or ego-conquering....
 is a devotional offering, usually food, presented at a temple or to a swami
Swami


Swami is primarily a Hindu honorific title, for either males or females. It is derived from Sanskrit and means "He who knows and is master of himself", "owner of oneself", or "free from the senses"....
 or a religious Brahmin
Brahmin


Brahmin is the class of educators, law makers, scholars and preachers of Dharma in Hinduism. It is said to occupy the highest position among the varna in Hinduism of Hinduism....
 who in turn provides a religious service (karmkand
Karmkand


Karmkand refers to ritual services proferred by swamis or religious Brahmins in exchange for bhiksha. ...
) or instruction. Bhiksha was a ritual for those who were monks so that their Ego was equated with all and self nullified. They asked for the material bhiksha for the survival and some educational social facility. The greater value of the Bhiksha was in asking begging for good timely wisdom for all by these saints. Many did so and are doing today. One of such sanit 400 years ago was Swami samarth ramdas ji guru of Shivaji a warrior hero of India Maharashtra who fought for self rule then. Swami ramadas ji asks for alms for wisdom and divine peace for all. His work is available on the sites named after him. His work is in form of dasbodha a book of wisdom. Five key pillars of leading a life and Charity is one of the important pillar.


Islam


Islamic scriptural rules on alms are quite reminiscent of the biblical instructions:


    If you give alms openly, it is well; but if you do it secretly and give to the poor, that is better. - (Qur-an 2:271a) 






In Islam, zakat
Zakat


 ISLAM:


Zakah is the third pillar of Islam. Zakah is emphasized a lot in the Qur'an and many a times a verse on prayers would be followed by that of giving alms. Allah (s.w) says




And perform As-Salât (Iqâmat-as-Salât), and give Zakât, and Irka' (i.e. bow down or submit yourselves with obedience to Allâh) along with Ar­Raki'ûn (those who bow)
(Qur'an 2:43)
Allah (s.w) has ordered muslims to give out alms as they have a lot of importance. Among them are:


    * Zakah purifys the wealth and causes it to increase
    * Zakah removes hatred between the giver and recipient
    * Zakah removes selfishness and greed from the giver
    * Zakah helps to build love between the giver and recipient
    * Zakah helps the muslim nation to advance as the gap between the rich and poor is narrowed




Zakah "alms for the poor" Believers in Islam are aware that by giving a fixed percentage of their surplus wealth, they are fulfilling this religious obligation...., or the giving of alms, is the third of the five pillars of Islam
Five Pillars of Islam


In Sunni Islam, the Five Pillars of Islam is the term given to the five duties incumbent on every Muslim. These duties are Shahada , Salah , Zakat , Sawm and Hajj ....
. Various rules attach to the practice, but in general terms, it is obligatory to give away 2.5% of ones savings and business revenue, as well as 5-10% of ones harvest, to the poor. The recipients include the destitute, the working poor
Working poor


Working poor is a term used to describe individuals and family who maintain regular employment but remain in relative poverty due to low levels of pay and dependent expenses....
, those who are unable to pay off their own debts, stranded travelers, and others who need assistance, with the general principle of zakaah always being that the rich should pay it to the poor.


Judaism


In the Jewish tradition, charity represented by tzedakah
Tzedakah


Tzedakah is a Hebrew language word commonly translated as Charity , though it is based on a root word meaning justice . In Judaism, tzedakah refers to the religious obligation to perform charity, and philanthropic acts, which Judaism emphasises are important parts of living a spiritual life; Jewish tradition argues that the sec...
, justice, and the poor are entitled to charity as a matter of right rather than benevolence. Contemporary charity is regarded as a continuation of the Biblical Maaser Ani




Maaser Ani


Maaser Ani, or the "Poor tithe", reflects an obligation to set aside one tenth of produce grown in the third and sixth years of the seven-year Sabbatical year agricultural cycle for the poor, in the days of the Temple in Jerusalem....
, or poor-tithe, as well as Biblical practices including permitting the poor to glean the corners of a field, harvest during the Shmita (Sabbatical year), and other practices. Voluntary charity, along with prayer and repentance, is regarded as ameliorating the consequences of bad acts.




Christianity
Christianity


Christianity is a Monotheistic religion #Christian view religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus as New Testament view on Jesus' life....
 as a personal religion has no concept of a legal requirement to give alms, nevertheless giving to the poor is regarded as one of the highest duties for any Christian. The offertory
Offertory


Offertory , the alms of a congregation collected in Church service, or at any Religion service.Offertory has also a special sense in the services of both the Anglicanism and Roman Catholic Church churches....
 is the traditional moment in every Roman Catholic Mass
Mass (liturgy)


The Mass is the Eucharistic celebration in the Latin liturgical rites of the Roman Catholic Church. The term is used also of similar celebrations in Old Catholic Churches, in the Anglo-Catholic tradition of Anglicanism, and in some largely High Church Lutheranism Lutheranism regions, including the Scandinavian and Baltic states countries....
, and Anglican Eucharist
Eucharist


The Eucharist, also called Holy Communion or Lord's Supper and other names, is a Christianity sacrament commemorating, by consecrating bread and wine, the Last Supper, the final meal that Jesus Christ shared with his disciples before his arrest, and eventual crucifixion, when he gave them bread saying, "This is my body", and wine...
 when alms are collected.


In the Eastern Orthodox Church
Eastern Orthodox Church


The Eastern Orthodox Church is the second largest single Christian communion in the world with an estimated 225 million members worldwide. It is considered by its adherents to be the Four Marks of the Church established by Jesus Christ and his Apostles nearly 2000 years ago....
 and the Eastern Catholic Churches the collection of alms and tithes has not been formally united to the offertory in any liturgical action. However, either having a collection plate in the narthex
Narthex


The narthex of a Church is the entrance or lobby area, located at the end of the nave, at the far end from the church's main altar. Traditionally the narthex was a part of the church building, but was not considered part of the church proper....
 or passing it unobtrusively during the service is not uncommon. In Orthodox theology, almsgiving is an important part of the spiritual life, and fasting
Fasting


Fasting is primarily the act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both, for a period of time. A fast may be total or partial concerning that from which one fasts, and may be prolonged or intermittent as to the period of fasting....
 should always be accompanied by increased prayer and almsgiving. Almsgiving in the name of the deceased also frequently accompanies prayer for the dead
Prayer for the dead


Wherever there is a belief in the afterlife of man's personality through and after death, religion naturally concerns itself with the relations between the living and the dead....
. Those whose financial circumstances do not permit the giving of monetary alms may give alms in other ways, such as intercessory prayer and acts of mercy
Works of Mercy


The Works of Mercy or Acts of Mercy are actions and practices which the Roman Catholic Church considers expectations to be fulfilled by believers, and which are also recognized as spiritual aids amongst members of other denominations of Christianity....
.


In most Christian forms of worship, a collection is made of "tithe
Tithe


A tithe is a one-tenth part of something, paid as a voluntary contribution or as a tax or levy, usually to support a Christian religious organization....
s and offerings" given for the support of the church and for the relief of the poor, as an important act of Christian charity
Charity (virtue)


In Christian theology charity, or Love #Christian , means an unlimited loving-kindness toward all others.The term should not be confused with the more restricted modern use of the word charity to mean benevolent giving, united to communal prayer. 


In some churches the "offering plate" or "offering basket" is placed upon the altar


Altar


An altar is any structure upon which offerings such as sacrifices and votive offerings are made for religion, or some other sacred place where ceremonies take place, as a sign that the offering is made to God, and a sign of the bond of Christian love. In addition, private acts of charity, considered virtuous only if not done for others to admire, are a Christian duty.


    Be careful not to do your 'acts of righteousness' in front of others, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. - 






The outward and an inward giving of alms: Here Jesus places the primary focus on the motives behind such acts, which should be love.


    Rather, give as alms what is inside, and then everything will be clean for you! - 






Giving of the rich versus the poor: Here Jesus contrasts the giving of the rich and the poor


    He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on."- 






Giving out of Love and not out of duty:


    He will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." - ich and the poor


    He looked up and saw the rich putting their gifts into the treasury. And He saw a poor widow putting in two small copper coins. And He said, "Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on."- 






Giving out of Love and not out of duty:


    He will reply, "I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me." -