Dhana

Today I want to tell you about Dhana. Dhana is something you give to others, which can be utilized by them. This gives Punya to the person giving Dhana, so he can get a good life here in earth and also after he leaves the earth.

There is something that comes in Kathopanishad. The Rishi gives away Cows in Dhana and he gives away cows that have become old and would not longer be able to give milk. His son Nachiketha was seeing this and he felt what his father was doing was wrong. Actually it is wrong.

So what are the things you should consider when giving the Dhana.

• Give to most deserving people. Do not give to relatives, friends who are already well off and do not really value what you are giving as Dhana.
• The material you give in Dhana should be of the best quality. Not something that you no longer need and want to throw away. Instead of throwing away, giving it as Dhana is a sin.
• It will be really good if the material you give is your most favorite.

There are people who say Anna Dhana ( giving food) is the highest form of Dhana, as this is the only Dhana in which people say enough, as they cannot eat more than what their stomach can hold.

I am specially amazed with the Kanya Dhana. It is not about commoditizing women and considering it as a material that can be given to someone. But just think  about the Girl Child's parents who raise the child by pouring their affection and love, do all that is required for the girl. The most precious gem in their life is the girl child and then relinquishing their everything on her, after giving her to a person in marriage is something extra ordinary. Giving away what is the most precious to you is true Dhana.