I haven't heard or read a Christian speak or write of the word 'alms', although I am sure that they must exist. In its most simple focus; it is giving and it can happen in many different ways. Its giving is always altruistic, an act of charity toward those less fortunate. In the time of the Apostles the followers of Jesus were taught that giving 'alms' was an expression of love and it is blessed virtue to be able to live it.
Its decades ago when I first wrote about charity, and its importance to the being of a person and those you help. At that time I wrote how it doesn't have to be money, it can be cooking for a person that does not like to cook, it can be giving a book that you no longer require. It can be teaching or sharing with a young aspirant; what they require for the next phase of their spiritual journey. It can be giving healing or even receiving it, helping others to become empowered.
'Truly I say to you, this poor widow put in more than all of them; for they all out of their surplus put into the offering; but she out of her poverty put in all that she had to live on'. Luke 21:1-4.
In Judaism, the word is 'tzedakah - a Hebrew term and it relates to righteousness and justice. It is not viewed as charity, it is viewed more as an essential, and this fits perfectly with the heart of intelligence.
It is about doing what is right and just for the right reasons. One could also view it in terms of defending the cause. So for instance, an electrician that offers a child an apprenticeship, is also giving alms.
In Hinduism, a call to alms can be to do with when a person becomes a monk, nun or a sadhu. Their spiritual life is dedicated to the community in which they serve and they live usually live an austere, celibate existence. In this article it shares a story with you about a young man that has given up a successful career to become a sadhu, not only his career but his family as well. In Indian tradition, the young man will never be able to see his family again. [1]
However, in my experience of being a sadhu, one does not require a guru, for the true guru of your being can be found within. It can include a period of celibacy for spiritual enrichment, and total devotion to your spiritual life, and divine purpose for being. However, life is about balance and moderation, for a healthy life. Giving and receiving.
After the full integration of the most recent initiation, a person is then ready to go ahead to share
what has been gained from the experience of it. Experience that can benefit the poor. As such, a call to alms is not necessary a financial one, wholly to do with fundraising, it can manifest in many different ways. In this instance following the divine message received today, it is an instruction. A command and I must do the will of the heavenly Father, and pass on his words.
The other day he also said 'You must have a donor', and I know in my heart that there are people ready to receive me. For it is his will, and he shall bring them for his will to be done.
In Hindu spirituality, it is also viewed as benefiting the secular as well, because it gives them an opportunity to give to the spiritual. As such, when the spiritual give others the opportunity to give to them, they are also helping them to clear their karmic debts and that is why it is also aligned with the spiritual law. My wheel of karma was broken a long time ago. However, this call to alms is for a very different purpose. As the saying goes, when the student is ready, the teacher appears and only tough assignments are given to the best students.
So it is; after the vision of the 'black box' seen on the mountain, and then the Lotus flower appeared, it can be viewed as the Lotus flower opening again. Bodhisattva returns again to a place that she knows well, and that is great advice from Jesus when he said to the high priests 'Give what is inside'. Like saying, give what is in your heart. That reminds me of the Rev 12 timeline when Mother Mary said, 'You do not have to give your wisdom, you can just give your heart'. She always gave such great advice, her presence was heavenly. As we know the pearls of wisdom are sacred, and not everyone likes pearls.
I know that there are people that do not wish to be helped, I also know that there are many more that do, they just do not like to ask, and so we have to offer to help them. With all my love as always, love beyond measure. Endings and new beginnings. I feel it is a time of replenishment for yours truly.
The heavenly Father said 'Done!'
1. http://www.theglobalmail.org/feature/a-call-to-alms-the-making-of-an-australian-monk/360/
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alms
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