"Donation is a state of mind that implies action."
A. What You Should Contribute
(1) Attention to the Teaching – Daily commitment to gaining knowledge that removes biases, misconceptions, irrational beliefs, unsupported opinions.
(2) Your Natural Talents – Your talents are God-given; they need to be offered to God in the form of your environment.
(3) Money and/or Opportunities to support the teachings and the teacher.
B. Reasons Why You Should Contribute
(1) It’s Good For You. The Heart that Gives, Gathers. It feels good to do the right thing. Give till it hurts. It destroys selfishness. Getting without giving is theft. Keeping more than you need is miserliness.
(2) It fulfills your obligation to God; you are here to make a difference.
(3) It supports Vedanta which is good for the world. Everyone is worthy of your mercy.
(4) It’s Your Duty as a disciple of Vedanta. It indicates commitment.
C. Why Doesn’t ShiningWorld Charge for Seminars?
A recent email
Dear James,
Vedanta is the most amazing teaching. It has changed my life. It gives and gives. I noticed in the recent newsletter that you asked for financial help. It made me realize how ungrateful I have been. I’m not poor but I think I am. I feel ashamed. Why don’t you charge for your teachings? They are so valuable. I am now making regular donations.
James: How can anyone put a price on this great knowledge? It was freely given to me and it is a gift that, as you say, keeps on giving and giving. My teacher fed and sheltered me for two years as my money ran out. When, thanks to the teaching tradition, I felt confident to stand on my own feet spiritually I had twenty-one cents in my pocket and happily became a street scavenger. If there is no support I will keep teaching and figure out something. Fortunately God, in the form of many good people, have made it possible to live a simple lifestyle and continue to disseminate non-dual wisdom world-wide for the last fifteen years. But those days are gone. I’m nearly eighty, have heart disease and have settled down with a mortgage, which may be soon to be resolved, Covid-19 i.e. Isvara willing.
ShiningWorld is not a legal entity or a business. It is the most powerful idea on the planet, a positive moral force. It is not right to monetize it. Somehow Isvara always looks after us. I am in the sunset of my life and have nearly completed my mission in life, to bring this great wisdom to the West. Sundari and I want ShiningWorld to be available to future generations, as Self knowledge is the only solution to suffering. So we need help. Anyway, your confession touches me deeply. It shows that Isvara is in your heart. Thank you on behalf of ShiningWorld.
