One day, a thief found his way to the cave. The hermit gave him food and water to drink. In the morning the thief had gone, taking with him the robe and the bowl. The morning dew had formed a puddle on the rocks outside the cave. The water of the puddle reflected the splendour of the snow peaks.
“Poor thief,” said the hermit. “He could not take this with him as well.”
The true giver gives without claiming ownership of the gift. Whether that gift is a robe, a bowl, or $2 billion, it belongs to the giver no more than do the reflections of the mountains in the water.
Such giving, without taking pride or credit for what is given, is a true boon.
Read more: Charity begins at OM – The Times of India http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/opinion/speaking-tree/Charity-begins-at-OM/articleshow/7039751.cms#ixzz178QnZcYy