Do you give out alms to the beggars outside the temples or churches?
By srganesh
@srganesh (6340)
India
July 27, 2009 6:25am CST
We can see beggars around the worshiping areas where there will be more crowds.And most people give out some alms to them as a token of charity.But some say,you should give something before entering the temple and not when leaving.Do you have any faith in it?At least do you like to encourage beggars there?
2 people like this
5 responses
@divkris (1156)
• India
27 Jul 09
i don't really encourage this habit of giving out arms to beggers. I had a miserable time last week when i had been to the movie theatre waiting for my friends ot join. While i was simply looking around at people and their dress many little kids asking for arms and food.
The whole scen was ironical that i did not know what to do. Here i am to spend money on lisure and many little prettily dressed kids to watch harry potter and there were those unprivileged kids begging for arms - i still am not able to come out of the situation :|
2 people like this
@srganesh (6340)
• India
29 Jul 09
That irony shook us.That is why beggars are readily available near theaters,malls and churches or temples.Indirectly they make people feel guilty of their wealth and earn something for that.In fact more beggars can be seen at the gate of some restaurants and hotels too.We are carried away by their looks and appearance and are forced to give out alms.
@daliaj (5674)
• India
27 Jul 09
I have seen beggars infront of churches, but I don't usually give money to them. I rarely give money if they are handicapped or in a very poor situation. I don't think there is a rule or custom which is followed regarding giving money to beggard before or after entering the church.
Usually I have seen there will be more beggars once the service is over. There won't be many people when the service starts, but there will be lots of people waiting for people to come out after the service. I don't encourage that begging.
@srganesh (6340)
• India
29 Jul 09
As you are not used to give out money to beggars,you need not wonder when to give them,before entering or leaving the temple or church.But in our religion,they say,only we should give them when entering the temple.Because if we are sparing something while leaving,it means we are sparing the blessings we got inside.But I consider it a superstition.Cheers!
@daliaj (5674)
• India
30 Jul 09
See how selfish people are! They don't want to share the blessings. I do think it is a superstitition. I think it is good to share the blessings. The beggars are very poor and they really need some blessings to go ahead with life. I think it is fare to share some of the blessings with beggars because you are in a better position in life compared to beggars.
1 person likes this
@srganesh (6340)
• India
30 Jul 09
I totally agree with you.If some blessings I get inside the temple can be shared with them if I give out alms while leaving the temple,then I am obliged to do it.In fact,if I do it,god will shower more grace on me.Personally,I think it is a superstition.Cheers!
@tulipstrader (1467)
• India
30 Jul 09
i dont like the sight of beggars around places of worship. most of the beggars are very healthy persons who can work and earn. they are used to getting this easy money. giving them some amount does not mean it is charity. infact giving alms to beggar should not be treated as charity.
i dont give any money to beggars at temples or any place of worship. Lets not encourage begging.
1 person likes this
@srganesh (6340)
• India
30 Jul 09
Healthy beggars should be ignored.No second opinion on that.But we can't deny the old aged beggars who can't have a roof for shelter and don't have any other sources of income.They are poor creatures driven away from homes by their own sons.I tend to give out money for such people.If you really suspect them too,then at least give them a pocket of food.Cheers!
@bhargavoza (656)
• India
30 Jul 09
No we never give such alms to beggers at any place whether it is temple or at stations. but if we see some disabled person but not begging then we approach him and give him something because mainly he is not begging and still he is needy. Giving alms to beggers encourage them for more begging although they can work hard for their livelyhood so that is not good.
@srganesh (6340)
• India
30 Jul 09
Yes!Some people do not want to encourage beggars.That is optional.But helping a disabled person in volunteer is something different.Will not he get offended that you are trying to make him a new beggar.Some disabled people just don't want our sympathy and they like to treat them as equals.What do you say for this?
