VIRTUE OF GENEROSITY
alai Lama once said, “Generosity is the most natural outward expression of an inner attitude of compassion and loving-kindness.” If a person is generous and benevolent, he is known for his altruism for generations to come. One such example of a benignant person is the demon king, Mahabali. In spite of being from a demon family, he was revered by his subjects and patrons, so much so that even Lord Indra was jealous of him.
According to ancient legends, the demon King, Mahabali ruled Kerala. The people of Kerala led a peaceful and prosperous life under Mahabali and they hardly knew any sorrow, disease or premature death under his reign. However, Lord Indra, the king of Devas grew jealous of the demon king’s rising popularity. The Devas requested help from Lord Vishnu who was worshiped by King Mahabali. Lord Vishnu was cognizant of Mahabali’s magnanimous nature and so took the avatar of a poor and dwarf Brahmin, called Vamana. He approached Mahabali just after his morning prayers, when the King gave boons to the Brahmins. Lord Vishnu disguised as Vamana asked for as much land as could be cover by his three steps. The King made a promise to do so. Suddenly, Vamana increased his size to a cosmic proportion and covered the entire earth in one step and the entire heaven in the second step. He then asked for a place to put his third step. King Mahabali realised that the Vamana is a divine incarnation and humbly offered his head to Vamana who pushed him to netherworld. Lord Vishnu was pleased with King Mahabali generosity and granted him a boon to visit his kingdom and his people once every year. Thus, Onam marks the legendary King Mahabali’s homecoming to his earthly kingdom.
My dear readers, this Onam that falls in the beginning of the month of Chingam, I wish that you practice that virtue of generosity. True generosity is a profound act of kindness. It can take many forms such as, money, gifts, love, compassion, physical assistance, time, food, services, or advice. When you give unconditionally, it returns to you manifold. So, go ahead and be generous!!!