What is the true significance of giving alms?
Let us not fall for shallow appearances. Alms are not about the coin, not the robe, not the smile of the one receiving. It is never about the monk, nor the ritual, nor the bowl. It is always about the one who gives — the intention, the awareness, the purity of heart behind the act.
Too many give out of guilt. Because they were told, “This is Buddhism,” or “You will gain merit,” or worse — because they fear bad karma if they do not give. That is not generosity. That is superstition dipped in fear.
And there are those who give with calculation. A little donation here, expecting heaven there. A few baht to a temple, hoping it will erase years of deceit, cruelty, selfishness. But the universe cannot be bribed. The Law responds to vibration, not transactions.
True giving does not come from lack. It comes from overflowing. Just as the sun shines not to impress, not to earn merit, but because it is light — so should one give, naturally, silently, joyfully.
If you give because someone in robes looks at you, with sad eyes, as if you owe them something — pause. If they manipulate your emotions with phrases like “Buddha taught generosity,” or “Give and be reborn with blessings,” — beware. That is no longer Dhamma. That is exploitation.
And worse still — if you feed those who exploit in the name of virtue, who build empires with the sweat of the naïve, who wear robes but reek of pride — you collect not merit, but demerit. Because you strengthen ignorance. You reward manipulation. You throw water into poisoned soil and wonder why the fruit rots.
We must be fierce in clarity. Not all who shave their head have renounced ego. Not all who chant are pure. Many robes are heavy with unseen greed. When you give to such people, you are not helping them — you are helping a lie survive.
So, what is right giving?
It is when the hand moves from the heart. When no one is watching, when there is no fear, no expectation, no pride. When it is done like a whisper, like an exhale. Then the act becomes sacred. Not because of what was given, but because of how.
In this way, alms are not just an offering — they are a test. A reflection of your depth. A glimpse into whether you act from bondage, or from freedom.
Give only when your soul says yes. Not when society, religion, or ritual pressures you. If you must say no, say it. Without guilt. That too is compassion — to protect your energy from being wasted on the unworthy.
And above all — remember this: feed only what you want to grow. Feed wisdom. Feed truth. Feed those who carry light with humility. But never, ever feed the darkness that wears the mask of holiness. To do so is not kindness — it is betrayal of your own path.
