One of my relative is in habit of praising themselves for all the good deeds they did to the society. Be it financial aid or any kind of support. I find it very ridiculous. It is ok to see someone helping the needy but everytime I hear about their deed being published through their own mouth, I feel bad for them. Our holy book Bhagvad Geeta says
That wealth should be acquired through honest and legal means, and that charity should be driven by a sincere desire to share with the less privileged.
It also indicates Charity given out of duty, without the expectation of return, at the right time and place, and to a worthy person is considered to be in the mode of goodness.
(own edited image)
Act of Good Deeds.
The Supreme Lord says that acts of charity, sacrifice, and penance should be performed and not given up, and that they purify even great souls. There are different perspectives on whether it's okay to publicly show off charitable donations and act of goodness :
Setting a good example : Some say that public donations can set a good example for the community, as long as the giver's intentions aren't to boast or show off.
Inspiring others : Some research suggests that disclosing donation amounts can inspire others to donate as well.
Focus on the cause : Others believe that the cause should be the center of attention, not the donor, and that anonymous giving is better.
Motivations: Some question whether charitable giving is meant to impress others.
Some say that publicly disclosing charities can be acceptable if done for the right reasons, not to show off. Others believe that giving anonymously allows the focus to remain on the cause, rather than the donor. I came across a phrase that says "don't let your left hand know what your right hand is doing". The verse is interpreted to mean that people should give generously without overthinking it, and without seeking praise. The supreme power focuses on intent, and condemns those who give to charity for their own glory.
Show-Off : Good or Bad
It is matter to do good things from the heart because it can help you develop skills, overcome challenges, and be honest with yourself. Doing things from the heart can also help us:
We can develop a broader perspective and start to consider how our actions impact others.
We can use our heart, patience, and fortitude to overcome difficult situations and achieve great goals.
We can feel happy and stress free knowing that we did what you believed was right, even if the outcome doesn't go as planned. We can also learn from our experiences and improve next time
Showing off good deeds can be wrong too. Showing off can also mean different things:
- Sharing achievements or talents with the world, such as on social media, can make someone more attractive and focused. It can also lead to others following their path, becoming an ideal, and more opportunities.
- Doing something to get attention or to make others feel bad is not good. However, if someone is proud of something authentic, then showing off isn't bad.
Intentions vs Act
Intentions are important, but they don't absolve people from the consequences of their actions. Some argue that intent matters less than how others perceive it and how they're impacted. Others say that both intent and outcome are important and shouldn't override each other.
Here's how intentions and actions can be considered:
Intentions drive actions : Intentions can motivate people to act and move them closer to taking action. Setting intentions can also help people develop a more positive and proactive mindset.
Intentions determine the value of an act : Acts are considered valuable or disvaluable in part because of the intentions behind them. For example, betraying a friend is considered disvaluable because it's done with bad intentions.
Intentions don't absolve responsibility : Even if someone didn't mean to hurt others, they're still responsible for the consequences of their actions.
Perception matters : Some say that intention matters less than how others perceive it and how they're impacted.
Balance is important: Some argue that both intent and outcome are important and shouldn't override each other.
Intentions are considered paramount, and the outcome is less important. However, some might argue that a positive outcome is more important, regardless of intention. In my case, I genuinely avoid taking any help until and untill it was offered with right frame of kind. I usually avoid a show life and belive in genuinity.