When we receive something from someone who is not contracted to give that thing either by law or custom, we think of it as a daana, dakshina, gift or donation.
The giver may be conscious of pity for the recipient, gratitude for the recipient, love and concern for the recipient, a desire to be rid off some stuff to gain floor or storage space, blackmail/demand/begging by the recipient.
Thus recipients always look for motives when someone gives them something.
This is an ahankaara, I-ness, related activity.
The giver is Krishna, so Meerabai drank the poison given by her brother-in-law and it turned to amRta.
It is pride that makes us look for motives. Is there dishonour in accepting this gift, we think. Is there RNa or debt? How much do we owe and how can we pay them back? And thus we burden ourselves and our thoughts.
One of my managers in an MNC said that the most successful people are those who ascribe the highest motives to others.
While Kunda guruji simply sticks to aparigraha with respect to herself and only accepts what is needed to preserve and propagate her guruji’s work, my parents have running equation in their head and always try to return all favours such that they are not left with any balance, that may require a re-birth to pay back.
I am beginning to see all as gifts from Krishna. The giver may have any motive, that may generate karmaphala for them, if they take credit for their karma. They may be upset, if I don’t return the favour or they may feel blessed.
But I am beginning to feel that it is Krishna gives us the materials and experiences and insights that we need. I can’t keep tabs! If I have to repay all I receive starting from sunlight, it is beyond my ability and also I will have to stick to my ahankara, mamakaras forever.
In conclusion, I will assume that all gifts are from the motive of love and respect and that the giver is Sri Krishna Himself!
Annadaataa Jagannaath! Bhoga daataa jagannath! Gnyaana daataa jagannath! Moksha daataa jagannath!
Author : Satya Sarada Kandula : All Rights Reserved
