GIVINGNESS
Givingness means transferring possession freely, handing over as a gift, conferring ownership with or without formal delivery, and rendering benefit without expecting payment.
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
A powerful illustration of givingness is the story of Karna from the Mahabharata.
Karna was unmatched in generosity and charity. He had taken a vow to grant whatever any Brahmin asked of him. Though he was the eldest son of Kunti, he was abandoned at birth and later grew into a महान warrior of extraordinary skill in archery. By fate, he stood with the Kauravas against the Pandavas.
Karna was born with a divine armour (kavach) and earrings (kundal), which made him invincible. To protect his son Arjuna, Indra, the king of gods, disguised himself as a Brahmin and asked Karna for these very gifts. Despite being warned by the Sun-god (his father), and fully aware of the consequences, Karna cut off his own armour and earrings from his body and gave them away.
By this act, he willingly gave up his invincibility and accepted mortality. He also granted a promise to Kunti that he would not harm any of her sons except Arjuna.
Because of such unmatched generosity, Karna came to be known as “Dana Veera” (the great giver). He did not just give what he possessed—he gave of himself. This is true givingness.
Regarding the first four “G-s” (Gratefulness, Greatness, Goodness, and Givingness), Founder Maiji advised deep self-examination. While dealing with anyone—even those close to you—ask yourself:
Am I becoming ungrateful?
Am I lacking greatness?
Am I acting with meanness, revenge, or a desire to punish?
Am I treating this person as the best kind of human would?
Am I being selfish?
Am I not giving?
One must apply strict inner discipline using these questions. First practice this with others, then extend it to those within your closest circle—your “I”.
Each individual is ultimately responsible for how they treat every other soul, especially in close relationships. Reflect on how many people you interact with daily, and how many thoughts, feelings, and decisions you form about them every hour.
If the world were to accept even this simple principle—that a person is truly religious only to the extent they pass these tests—it would become a far happier place.
Even the first test—gratefulness—would challenge many.
But if one sincerely practices these four guiding principles, one transforms. Both you and others will notice the change. You may even be surprised at yourself.
There is also a deeper truth: one good action strengthens you to perform many more good actions, while weakening negative tendencies. This inner law supports continuous moral and spiritual growth.