THE BEST FORM OF CHARITY

By Mahanidhi Swami

Pious people are always interested in giving charity to worthy individuals and institutes because it makes them feel good and improves their own position. Of all forms of charity, which is the best and most beneficial? Vedic scriptures like Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas states that giving transcendental knowledge is the best of charity. In Hari Bhakti Vilasa, Sanatana Gosvami quotes Skanda Purana, where Brahma told Narada, danam vidya danam param “Giving transcendental knowledge is the greatest form of charity. By giving transcendental knowledge, one attains good qualities, wealth, happiness, freedom from sins and kingdom of God.” (HBV 2.250-253)One can easily obtain all these wonderful benefits by following Sri Caitanya Mahaprabhu’s request to, “Tell everyone you meet about Krsna.” You can also give a Bhagavad Gita or some small spiritual books to people, and encourage them to read and follow the teachings to attain a life full of love, happiness and perfection. There is no better form of charity than this.Om Tat Sat!Jai Jai Sri Radhe!!