Is it correct for a person to help the needy using the money of family members on whom one depends?

[Mrs. Latha asked: Om Namaśśivāya! Namaskāraṃ Swāmiji! I have a doubt and I request You to clear my doubt. Swāmiji, I’m not working and whenever I want to help needy people, I have to help them using the money of my husband or my children. For example, if I want to help a person by giving food or clothes, I can only do it using the money of my husband and children. Is it correct? I am not earning, but I want to help the needy.]

Swāmi replied: Your husband or children give you money for your enjoyment. If you sacrifice it for the poor, reducing your own enjoyment, there is nothing wrong in it. Since the money was given by them to you, you are sacrificing your own money. You need not inform your charity to your family members, in case they do not like such charity. Since the money basically belongs to them, they too are blessed by God, through such charity.

Keywords:

| Shri Datta Swami | Is it correct for a person to help the needy using the money of family members on whom one depends? |

★ ★ ★ ★ ★