A student asked the master, “Is helping others always a good deed?” The master replied, “If it is done strictly for the benefit of the needy people, it is a good thing. But if one does it to achieve his selfish objectives, using charity as his means, it is wrong.”
Aristotle said, “What is the essence of life? To serve others and to do good.” Helping people in need and the less fortunate is a noble and ethical action. We all have the innate compassion to reach out and lift others. But it must come from our hearts, done correctly and selflessly. At the same time, we must ensure our efforts are not misused or exploited for others’ interests.
We have seen people use their charity actions to gain publicity, recognition, rewards, and benefits. Some use it to hopefully redeem their sins and wrongdoings. This is ludicrous and wishful thinking. Kindness and evil behaviour are separate entities with no mutual influence. No amount of kindness can wash away the guilt of one’s criminal and evil past or present activities.
It’s pretty laughable to see people releasing birds, fish, and turtles back to freedom, showing themselves as lifesavers and hoping to clean up their misdeeds. These poor creatures were free in the first place but captured and sold for profit to these believers, who then released them. This is not charity but another sinful act. Yes, the needy people benefit from their contributions, but this is exploiting charity to serve their interests. This wrong karma action will bring them further negative consequences.
Sometimes, we believe we have done the right thing by helping the less fortunate. But unknowingly, our good intentions may produce damaging consequences. In Confucius’ state of Lu, the people were encouraged to use their money to redeem their fellow citizens who had been kept as prisoners in other states. Upon returning with the freedmen, they were refunded with a reward.
A student of Confucius, a wealthy merchant, decided to spend a fortune generously to bring back many of these prisoners. He also did not want to be compensated or any reward. He proudly told Confucius, who said: “You did wrong. You have set a precedent, and now people are discouraged and embarrassed to claim a refund and reward. Without these attractions, nobody will participate in the scheme. Your good intention has killed the process.”
One day, a beggar entered a restaurant to beg for food. The boss took pity on him and gave him food. The next day, he came again, and the boss fed him. This went on for a couple of weeks. The boss, getting impatient and annoyed, told him: “You cannot continue this way. Go get a job to support yourself.” Beggar: “I am not educated, have no skill. It is difficult for me to get a job. I am happy here, so please allow me to stay.” The boss was furious and threw him out. His good deed had created a shameless parasite. What happened to the saying, “Teach one to fish is better than give him the fish?”
This Chinese saying is: “Offering charcoal to warm in the snow. Adding flowers to beautify the brocade.” Bringing charcoal to warm those in the cold and suffering in poverty is a noble charitable cause. But further beautifying the brocade is certainly not an act of kindness. Cultivating favourable relations with the rich and powerful is a corrupt act for personal gains and self-interests.
In life, we experience the ups and downs, success and failure. In good times, distant friends will visit you with flowers for your brocade. But when you are down and cold, even neighbouring relatives will avoid you. This is the reality of life. So, when you are doing well, discourage friends from giving you more brocade. When you are not, don’t expect charcoal.
We must be careful when helping others. We must do it solely for the benefit of those who need it, without any personal interest or reward. We must also ensure our efforts do not have other serious negative implications.
The Master said, “Stretch your hands with your heart to help others. But bring them back with nothing in your palms. The joy and tranquillity in your mind and heart are your reward. And that is enough.”
Cheong Quee Wah
Cheong Quee Wah, graduated in engineering and business administration, was in the government service for 24 years, and had held the appointment of permanent secretary in various ministries. He also studied traditional Chinese herbal medicine and is a trained qigong master.
