Feeding The Poor is The Best of All Carities

Mankind is bestowed with hands by God. Along with them, one should exercise one's discretion and give in charity something of what one has. To 'donate', means 'to give'. We have to give what others are badly in need of. Donating from what we have in excess is not regarded as a donation at all. The wise say, feeding the hungry is the best of all charities. God gifted us this rare body not only to serve but to abide by righteousness. We need sufficient food to keep the body in good health so that it can engage in spiritual practice of merging one's soul with that of the Supreme Spirit. Therefore, serving food to the hungry is a great service to God. Though Baba took bhiksha, Baba Himself used to cook and serve food with love.

Nothing but the charity of feeding the hungry propitiation the Supreme Spirit who dwells in every being in the form of digestive fire. Hence, Baba never encouraged devotees to fast and when Radhabai Deshmukh fasted, Baba opposed it. Baba always preached that fixing one's mind on God is the real fasting, which means staying in God's presence. Sai fed a hungry dog with a roti (bread) prepared and brought to Him by Laxmi Bhai. The offering of food which nurtures the body will lead man to the path of rectitude and it is the best of all charities. Baba set an example by Himself cooking and serving the food.