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ego finds that God is within him.
HIS COMPASSION IS BEYOND ALL DESCRIPTION.
THE LORD'S GIFTS ARE SO GREAT HE EXPECTS NOTHING IN RETURN.
Understand the meaning of dana, charity. You too give in charity, but behind your gift hides some desire. If you give two paise to a beggar you do so with the hope of a return in heaven -- if not in heaven, at least your neighbors or your friends should be watching so that you rise in their esteem, or gain some respect from them.
There was a blind, deaf man who attended church regularly although he couldn't see what was going on, much less hear the hymns or sermons. What motivation could he have had but to show how deeply religious he was?
Now you may have eyes, but your reason for coming is just the same; you have ears, but your reason is no different. Going to the temple or church or gurudwara has become a social obligation, a duty to be performed. And when you give a single paise you expect a return. You know nothing of charity, everything is a business deal.
This is the difference between a charity and business. When you expect a return it involves bargaining, it is a business. Then it turns out you have never given in charity, you have only invested for future gains. And those who exploit you know very well that you are striking a bargain, so they explain to you: "Give one paise here, you will get a million there." Whatever you offer will be returned a millionfold, that is the promise. Every exploiter knows for certain that you are a businessman, a trader -- that you cannot truly give as charity.
Will you ever donate to a temple when it is proclaimed that you will get nothing in return? It will be difficult to find a donor for such a temple; it will never last, nor even get constructed.
When you think of God's charity, do not think in terms of your charity. He does not give the way you do. Nanak says He gives but expects nothing in return. And what do you have that you can give Him? His charity is pure, unconditional.
What have we given in return for all that we have received? You were given life and in this life you found love; you had faint glimpses of well-being
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