Professor M.M. Goel
(Samajweekly) The present times of covid crisis calls for benevolence and kindness as the qualities of goodness in all of us as human beings. The excellent deed to be done is benevolence which is an essential element of goodwill and credibility. We can become capable of doing kindness by spending some money on others. The desire to give thoughts falls in the domain of noble deeds. The desire to get free goods and services come in the category of sin, crime and begging as bad. Doing benevolence is not in hands of all. This is an outcome of deeds in past life. Such people take birth to perform actions of kindness. We can become role model for others by performing good deeds of benevolence and kindness. We have to learn from Maharaja Agrasen who had the honest goal of providing relief to one and all. The marvellous tradition of giving one coin and brick to any new comer in his kingdom Agroha (Haryana) for starting new business to earn a living is worth replicating in present times of unemployment and under employment. Maharaja Agrasen was a strong protagonist of spending 25 percent of the incomes on the welfare of living beings in the society. He also made a case for 25 percent savings for future which is necessary and sufficient condition for coping up the crisis of covid kind in present times. The business community of today must learn benevolence as corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a necessary and sufficient condition for inclusive growth which means to care for the cared less and use of the used less human resources.
Benevolence indicates a charitable disposition to do good with compassionate and kind considerations of other’s needs and desires and is incorporated as an indispensable ethical virtue in most human societies, religions, philosophies and cultures. Desire to do well to others is filled with benevolence .We bequeathed much benevolence from our vast fortune.
Dharma, Arth, Kama and moksha are necessary in human life. We can get moksha before death by performing good deeds to be called Jiwan Mukti.
Being a needonomist devotee of Gita spiritually romantic, I believe in simple living and no thinking which means we have not to think of those things which are beyond control. Simple living with kindness can get salvation for all of us. We should use our energies for creating something unique instead of worrying about things beyond control.
One is free to choose between benevolence and doing harm to others. The path of heaven and hell are open to all. People mostly choose good path with wisdom of spirituality. One can be really satisfied and can remain happy by doing the actions of benevolence. We are fortunate to be blessed with human life for performing acts of kindness. One is also respected if remain kind and benevolent to others.
In Ramayana benevolence is Dharma and giving pain to others is a sin. To be awakened and aware of the pain and remain ready for the help is an indicator of godly person.
Many scientific studies on benevolence have been closely monitoring and linking the brain benefits and emotional improvement in those participating in generous acts. These behaviours enhance entire communities, occupied by thoughtfully connected citizens.
The existing theory on giving reveals that it is good for those less fortunate. It increases the health and happiness of the recipient.
It is believed by some if not many people that they do not have the economic status or time to give. They don’t know that giving is good for them too. They view it as a loss instead of an overall enhancement and gain in the real sense.
There is a proven physiological response when people give. The reward and pleasure centres in the brain light up in the same way that they would upon receiving a gift. Oxytocin floods the body lowering stress and contributing to an overall sense of wellbeing.
In order for people to reap the rewards of giving, their acts must be consistent. A type of generosity practice sustained over time through bodily behaviours and repeat acts can have exponential positive benefits.
Investing in overall happiness through meaningful work, relationships and benevolent acts all contribute to a happier healthier society.
It is the academic duty of the intellectuals to increase public awareness about the direct benefits of giving as an increase in happiness and sense of wellbeing. The giving movement with kindness continues to gain momentum for overall healthier happier environment. The joy of freedom cannot be found in the art of living for the livelihood but with the art of giving by adopting life style of altruism (not me but you) with limited use of resources for the self which falls in the domain of needonomics promoted by this writer in humble ways. Let us reframe the fight against covid crated crisis as a benevolent deed for the survival and existence of people.
* Former Vice Chancellor and Needonomist Professor living in Kurukshetra. Enjoy surfing the website www.needonomics.com
