Divine Choices: Milk for the Deity or the Needy?

In our daily lives, we are faced with numerous ethical dilemmas where we must make tough decisions. One such conundrum stems from the question: Given 1 litre of milk, would you offer it to Lord Shiva or donate it to an unprivileged person? This article delves into the considerations surrounding this choice, offering insights from religious and ethical perspectives.

Dividing the Milk: A Balanced Approach?

The proposal is to divide the milk into two equal halves. The first half is donated to the underprivileged, seeking blessings in return, while the second half is used to perform an Abhishek ceremony to Lord Shiva, reciting the Vishnu Sahasranama. But what if there is still milk left? The remaining milk is used to prepare tea, to be enjoyed from the balcony.

Divine Service vs. Human Necessity

The personal stance is to prioritize donations to the unprivileged. There are several reasons behind this decision:

Devotion Matters Above All: Our devotion to God often holds more significance than earthly possessions. While milk and offerings are gestures of faith, it is our thoughts, energy, and emotions that truly matter in divine service. If one can offer great thoughts, they do not need material offerings for God. Necessity of Survival: For the underprivileged, the survival of their families is a pressing concern. While God may not need physical offerings, the unprivileged do. Our help to them is not just an act of charity but an acknowledgment of their reality as fellow human beings. Serving the Divine through Humanity: According to Hindu philosophy, God resides in every human being. Therefore, helping the underprivileged is a way to serve God by serving humanity. This aligns with the belief that one should first fulfill their own duties (Dharma) before tending to other spiritual practices.

Welcoming a Boy to the Fold

A relatable example to illustrate this point is that of a man named X. X worships his furniture, the sofas of his house, and starts donating food to various places in the belief that it fulfills his desires. However, his son has gone hungry for 10 days, and X does not pay attention to this need. This example highlights the flaw in our approach to divine service and charity:

Ignoring Human Needs: We might be neglecting the real needs of those around us while engaging in rituals and offerings. The focus on material worship can overshadow the forgotten ones among us. The Ethical Dilemma: The question posed, if a 5-year-old child has not eaten for 20 days, and is a family member, would we still prioritize our ritualistic acts over providing for the child's basic needs?

Humanity Is Key

It is crucial to remember that regardless of blood relations, we are all humans. Empathy and compassion should guide our actions. Missing the pain of others or turning a blind eye to their struggles is inhumane. We should feel bad when someone is in pain and care for others. This sense of humanity is what truly connects us to the divine.

Enhancing Emotions and Character

Making idols, constructing temples, and donating food, flowers, or candles are means to enhance our emotional connection to God and improve our character with positive vibrations. However, we must not ignore the plight of the underprivileged, whose needs are real and pressing. Prioritizing the well-being of others is a form of true devotion and service.

When faced with a choice between offering milk to Lord Shiva and donating it to those in need, the better choice is to donate to the needy first. This action will provide a greater sense of positivity and satisfaction, as it addresses a real need and embodies the spirit of service and humanity.

In conclusion, while devotional practices are essential, prioritizing the needs of the underprivileged reflects a deeper understanding of divine service and ethical living. By doing so, we honor both our faith and our humanity.