Learn to Be Content With Whatever God Has Given You
The tendency to beg has always been considered harmful. That is why sacrifice has been given special importance in our culture. A man loses everything by begging but wins over everything through sacrifice. God automatically gives to a man according to his worthiness. Therefore, one should hold back from begging and trust in His grace.
Asking is not an easy task; it is in fact a very difficult one. When the situation of asking arises, a self-respecting man goes through many deaths in silence. God lifts up a man to richness without his asking.
Some people have a constant tendency to beg; they live their life by it. They always have to ask for something or the other. Some people are careless by nature, which is why they often run short of essentials and fall back on begging. No matter how much someone insults them, they put up with it and carry on as smooth pots.
Similarly, a greedy person is always trying to obtain something more. He keeps on wishing, which makes him constantly dissatisfied. No matter how much he possesses, it always seems less in his eyes, and he continues to run after more. Man should not depend on others because when expectations fall through, he remains unhappy.
Expressing his views on this subject in the Brahma Puran, Vyas Ji has said:
“The five gods in the body depart when one utters the words‘give me something —wisdom, modesty, Lakshmi, radiance, and fame.”
The meaning is that when a person goes to ask for something from someone, his intelligence and wisdom slip away. Shame drops off him. Lakshmi becomes angry with him. At that moment, he loses out on his radiance, and it seems as if his fame has faded away. In short, asking for something never pays off; it only causes harm.
If a man truly needs something, he should always request it from the Supreme Lord. He alone looks after everyone and fills up their bags without asking. People of the world may rebuke you if you ask them, or make up endless excuses for not giving. But if one calls upon God with a sincere heart, that prayer never goes in vain. Sooner or later, He fulfills every legitimate desire of man. That is why man should always seek refuge in Him.
Just as parents in this world provide for their children—whether asked for or not—so does God. He never turns away His children and always cares for their needs. He is mans ultimate support. Unlike humans, He never insults man by discussing with anyone nor does He ever show favour.
Therefore, as far as possible, the tendency to beg should be avoided. This habit must never be adopted. One should be content with whatever God has given, work on improving his life, and make do with available resources while continuing to strive for more through honest effort.
