A few months ago, three ladies came to my house with a pamphlet about a ‘Shrimad Bhagwat Katha’ event happening in our society. The pamphlet showed six women’s names as organizers, but only three had shared their bank account details for receiving donations, called ‘chanda.’ When they came, one lady greeted me saying, “Hello bhaiya.” I replied politely. Another lady asked me to switch on my door light because it was dark outside. I agreed and turned on the light so we could see each other clearly. Then, one of them told me about the seven-day religious event and invited me to join any day I could. I said I would try to attend one of the days, but not all seven.
Just as I was about to say thank you and close the door, one of the ladies pulled out a receipt book and asked how much money I wanted to give as a donation. I was surprised and asked why they were asking for money when they were the organizers. She explained that the money was for the service of God and would bring benefits. Another lady then added that good things would happen to me if I gave a donation. I told them that if they gave money on my behalf, more good things might happen to them instead. I thought to myself, why do they need donations when they planned and arranged everything on their own? They decided the dates, the time, and the place without asking anyone. To me, this felt wrong because true devotion should come from your own willingness, not pressure to pay money.
This kind of situation is not new in my experience. In my previous house, a man used to come weekly asking for donations for an Old Age Home. Others ask for money in the name of Gaushaala (cow shelter), child education, or poor girls’ marriages. I believe only a few people are genuine in their work. Many misuse the trust people have in these causes and have turned it into a business. They offer promises like good luck or blessings in return for money. People are hopeful and want good things in their life, so they end up paying, thinking it will bring them happiness or success.
The truth is, God does not look at the amount of money given, but at the true intentions behind it. If you are organizing any event or charity, you should do it according to your own capacity, without expecting donations from others. Giving should come from the heart and without pressure. It’s important to stay aware and careful when approached for money in the name of religion or charity. True faith and good deeds do not need to be bought. We should remember this and avoid being misled by false promises that turn spirituality into a business.