Charity work
Hindu teachings on charity
Hindus practise charity to live out the idea of good karma/kammaActions, and the consequences of actions. An important concept in Buddhism, Hinduism and Sikhism.. The Hindu concept of ahimsaThe Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh principle of total non-violence, in thoughts, words and actions. means ‘harmlessness’. For some Hindus, this involves vegetarianism, environmental protection and care for all living things, human and animal. Because many Hindus see all life as one (monism), and because BrahmanIn Hindu belief, the absolute reality that is the true essence of all existence, God. can be seen in the living atmanThe essence of a being. Can refer to body, mind or soul, depending on context, but usually indicates the soul that is reborn. of all creatures, Hindus believe that practising kindness is very important.
Charity in Hinduism is known as dana, which means ‘giving’, or sewaSelfless service to the community., which means ‘selfless service’. For Hindus, charity is not done to get something back, but to live out pure goodness.
Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM)
Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM) is an international organisation that aims to improve the spiritual wellbeing of humanity. It was founded by Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (known as Amma). MAM works with selfless devotion and service in an effort to change the world. Its members visit areas, people and organisations that may be in need and aims to change their lives.
One programme, undertaken by MAM member Choti Sing, involved women’s rights. This young lady set aside casteThe anglicised term for varna; originally a Hindu social order of higher and lower class. Also followed by some Sikhs. divisions and went into her village of Ratanpur in 2014 with the aims of uplifting her community, providing education for young children and educating mothers about the importance of childhood vaccinations. Choti’s work provided new opportunities for people.
Environmental protection projects
The Hindu charity Friends of Vrindavan aims to protect India’s sacred forests, saving trees and educating people about environmental protection. A Hindu story in the Srimad-Bhagavatam tells of the life of VishnuVishnu is the aspect of Brahman responsible for the preservation of the world. Vishnu forms one part of the Trimurti, along with with gods, Brahma and Shiva. in the Vrindavan forest, so Hindus believe the forest should be looked after and protected.
Cow protection projects
Hindu scripture recognises cows as the ‘mothers of all things’. KrishnaHindu deity, an avatar of Lord Vishnu. There are many tales of him as a mischievous but loving child., an avatara of the god Vishnu, was a cow herd, so some Hindus follow his example of caring for cows.
There are many goshillas, or places for the care of cows, found in India and the UK.
