Significance of Giving

In Vaishnavism, the concept of Giving involves the act of providing or offering gifts to others, highlighting generosity as a fundamental aspect of spiritual practice. Kavyashastra also emphasizes Giving, particularly the importance of generosity for kings, as it reflects their splendor and benevolence. Both perspectives underscore that Giving is not just a physical act but also a moral and ethical duty, reinforcing the values of community and responsibility in leadership and personal relationships.1

Synonyms: Offering

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Hindu concept of 'Giving'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, Giving signifies the generous act of offering gifts to others, highlighting the importance of generosity, especially for kings, to demonstrate their opulence and benevolence through acts of sharing.

Significance of Giving in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):

Vaishnavism Books

From: Garga Samhita (English)

(1) The action of providing something, in this context refering to the act of providing charity.^[1] (2) The act of providing something to someone, reflecting generosity or kindness.^[2] (3) the act of providing or offering something to others, in this context referring to the act of bestowing gifts.^[3]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (‘ten avatars of Vishnu’).

Significance of Giving in Kavyashastra (science of poetry):

Kavyashastra Books

From: Sahitya-kaumudi by Baladeva Vidyabhushana

(1) Refers to the act of generosity, particularly emphasized as essential for kings to exhibit splendor.^[4]

Kavyashastra refers to the ancient Indian tradition of poetry (kavya). Canonical literature (shastra) of the includes encyclopedic manuals dealing with prosody, rhetoric and various other guidelines serving to teach the poet how to compose literature.

Significance of Giving in Arthashastra (politics and welfare):

Arthashastra Books

From: Tirukkural (Thirukkural)

(1) The act of providing aid or resources to those in need without expectation of receiving anything in return, viewed as the highest form of virtue.^[5]

Arthashastra literature concerns itself with the teachings (shastra) of economic prosperity (artha) statecraft, politics and military tactics. The term arthashastra refers to both the name of these scientific teachings, as well as the name of a Sanskrit work included in such literature. This book was written (3rd century BCE) by by Kautilya, who flourished in the 4th century BCE.

Significance of Giving in Dharmashastra (religious law):

Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) An act that illustrates the components of virtue, involving the giver, the thing given, the recipient, and their satisfaction.^[6]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Last Updated: 07 October, 2024