Giving and Sharing

Dear Sahana

You are 5 months old. You are able to crawl. You are getting to be mobile!! You can pick up things with your hands easily. Now that you can pick things up, I am going to give you something to think about.

Giving and Sharing.

These are two different things, but both bring joy to our hearts.

Thiruvalluvar asks

“Eethuvakkum inbam ariyarkol thamudamai
Vaithighakkum van kanivar”

What does that mean?

“Is it because they are unaware of the joys of giving and sharing that hard-hearted men waste their wealth by hoarding it?”

Ok. Now what is the difference? Giving to needy people without expecting anything in return. This brings happiness to the face of the person who received it. That happy face will make your heart happy. You will be happy. To this effect Thiruvalluvar says

“Innathu irakka paduthal iranthavar
Inmugam kaanum alavu”

He says, “The cry for alms is painful sight, until the giver seems him bright”.

Sharing is different in that, you share your worldly things with your friends and family, like sharing your toys with your friends. You play with your friends by sharing your toys. Your friends are happy and so are you.

Always remember, my dear, God not only gave us brains, but also gave us hearts. We need to have a heart to give and share with others.

With love
Appa and Amma