The Path of the Giver

By Kirpal Singh Khalsa

 Yogi Bhajan continually taught the fundamental spiritual truth that the more you give, the more you receive. At Summer Solstice 1996, he said that giving invokes the wealth of the Universe.

“When there is a vacuum, God must fill it. I’m not saying that you are poor. But you could have more. Giving is the way of the rich—giving services, giving expertise, giving work, giving something for prayer, giving to the needy.”  ~Yogi Bhajan

It may seem counterintuitive, but giving is the key to prosperity. Yogi Bhajan lived the example. He arrived in the West literally penniless. He gave of his time, energy, and earnings to serve humanity. His earnings supported the 3HO Foundation for many years. While giving more than anyone could expect, he lived like a king, rich and wealthy in all aspects of his life, demonstrating that spirituality and prosperity are in harmony.

But giving is not just a means to get rich. It is a path to enlightenment and liberation. From his earliest days in the west, Yogiji taught that there were three paths to enlightenment: the path of the saint, the path of the hero, and the path of the giver. The path of the giver is the simplest: to be like God, give like God. After all, what is God but the Great Giver?

“God gives like God. Giving makes God THE God. And giving shall only make you experience God. Give like God. Give like God is giving in the Name of God; give in the feeling of God. Give in the experience of God. Give in the understanding of God. Give as just a way to give. And the best concept of giving is, “Give for the giving’s sake and then feel grateful that you got an opportunity that you could give.”  ~Yogi Bhajan

In the 3rd pauree of Japji Sahib, Guru Nanak describes God the Great Giver:

“Daindaa de lainde thak paaeh. Jugaa jugantar khaahee khaaeh.”

Translation: The Giver gives and those who take get tired of receiving, and from time immemorial to time immemorial, He is the Giver.

Giving yourself to others is God. Otherwise, there is no God. In the ashram in New Mexico we practice Karma Yoga. It is the yoga of selfless service without thought of personal reward. Quite simply, it is giving of yourself, your time, your energy, and your love. It is a way of burning off lifetimes of past karma and a recognized and honored path to union with God. It is humble and menial work: cleaning the temple, cooking and serving food, working in the garden, helping those who are sick, and so many other ways of giving. It is an opportunity to serve the land, Yogiji’s mission, the people who live here, and the community. There is a great joy in serving the ashram and in this way serving God.

The beauty of karma yoga is that it takes you out of you. Often, we try to get high through our yoga practice. Then it is all about you. When you serve the ashram, it is all about something greater than you. A second beauty of karma yoga is that it develops humility. The antidote to spiritual ego is humility, especially for a teacher. Karma Yoga is also called seva, selfless service. It is a foundation pillar of the spiritual lifestyle.

“Seva is in the name of God. Now you are doing a service, not as you now. You are doing seva in the name of God. That’s the beauty of seva. In seva, never ask for gratification here and now. Let God come through. Give God a chance. Therefore, do it in His name.” ~Yogi Bhajan

Serving people opens the heart and brings so many blessings.

“Love is something in which you nurture… in which you serve. If you serve each other rather than control each other, rather than be at each other, the whole world will be a heaven, and it’s all seva. That is love.” ~Yogi Bhajan

And the blessings come. Through giving, slowly and imperceptibly your commitment will deepen, you will grow stronger, more self-assured and happier than you have ever been in your life. Karma Yoga opens the door. You will look for opportunities to give and to serve, and they will come. Make giving your way of life. It will open every door to spiritual fulfillment.