Answer
Charity (dana) is an exceedingly serious subject, and why one should give, what to give, how to give, and to whom to give — all these are important aspects.
Charity is such a value in human life that it elevates the person from within and also brings happiness to the world outside. In the Bhagavad Gita, charity is not considered merely a social duty; rather, it is described as an indispensable component of inner purification and the welfare of the world.
There are two fundamental reasons behind charity — one internal and the other external.
Why Should One Give? The Internal Reason
(a) Charity bestows inner purity. Giving charity purifies the mind. The Gita says that charity is 'pavanani manishinam' — that is, 'charity purifies the wise.' (18:5)
Therefore, the first purpose of charity is to purify oneself from within. The one who gives experiences inner joy and fulfillment.
(b) Charity promotes the welfare of the world. The second reason is the benefit of others. The Lord has stated at many places in the Gita that 'loka-sangraha' (welfare of the world), 'paropakara' (benevolence), and 'sarva-bhuta-hita' (the good of all beings) are aids on the path to Moksha. Even sannyasis have not been exempted from this.
The Lord says that the true Rishi is one who remains devoted to the welfare of all beings.
'Labhante brahma-nirvanam rishayah kshina-kalmashah... chhinna-dvaidha yatatmanah sarva-bhuta-hite ratah.' (Bhagavad Gita 5:25)
That is — the sages who are free from sin, tranquil in mind, and devoted to the welfare of all beings attain Brahma-Nirvana.
(c) 'Vedeshu yajneshu tapahsu chaiva... yat punya-phalam pradishtam' (8:28)
That is, 'The merit that accrues from the Vedas, sacrifices, austerities, and charity...'
In other words — charity is meritorious. For this reason too, one should give charity.
What Should One Give?
The general meaning of charity is to voluntarily give someone something that contributes to their welfare. This primarily includes money, since any necessity can be purchased with it, but charity is not limited to money alone. Charity can be of many kinds, such as:
- Donation of money - Donation of food - Donation of clothing, especially blankets and warm clothes in winter - Donation of books (spreading knowledge) - Donation of knowledge (vidya-dana) - Donation of service (seva-dana) - Donation of land - Donation of organs, eyes, etc.
Charity is obligatory for everyone according to their capacity.
To Whom Should One Give? What Kind of Charity Is Supreme?
The Lord has described three types of charity in the Gita (Chapter 17:20-22):
Datavyam iti yad danam diyate'nupakaarine | Deshe kale cha patre cha tad danam sattvikam smritam || 17:20 ||
That is — charity given with the feeling that 'it is one's duty to give,' at the right place, at the right time, and to a worthy recipient — to one who has done us no prior favor, or without any expectation of a return favor — such charity is called Sattvika (pure) charity.
Yat tu pratyupakarartham phalam uddhishya va punah | Diyate cha pariklishtam tad danam rajasam smritam || 17:21 ||
That is — charity that is given reluctantly (unwillingly or with difficulty), with the motive of getting something in return, or with an eye on the fruit, is called Rajasa (passionate) charity.
Adesha-kale yad danam apatrebhyash cha diyate | Asat-kritam avajnatam tat tamasam udahritam || 17:22 ||
That is — charity given without respect (or with contempt), at an improper place or time, and to an unworthy or undeserving person, is called Tamasa (ignorant) charity.
Among these, Sattvika charity is the most excellent.
As for charity to be given by followers of Bhagavad Dharma, the guideline for them is to put some money — according to their capacity — into a collection box every morning. Some people do not do this daily but put the money in once a month. However, that does not earn the merit of each day. If the same monthly amount is deposited in daily installments, merit is earned every day.
A special ideal for followers of Bhagavad Dharma is to set aside 10% of their monthly income for charity. Of that 10%, 5% should be kept for giving to worthy recipients, and 5% — in the light of Gita verse 18:69 — should be used for becoming supremely dear to God by distributing copies of the Bhagavad Gita to those who have an interest in reading it. They should also continue to kindle in people the desire to read the Gita.
Remember that the Lord has said in Gita verse 18:69: 'He who spreads the knowledge of the Gita among the faithful is dearest to Me, and no one dearer to Me than he shall ever exist in the future.'