Dictionary of all Scriptures & Myths

Understanding Global Symbolism


Home
Preface
5 Planes of Existence
Introduction
Five Planes of Manifestation

A to Z

Contact

Related Information

BIBLE VERSES

ALMSGIVING OR CHARITY

A symbol of the element of universal love which must always be in the active truth-goodness (food) which nourishes and builds up the soul or causal-body.

In the Divine scheme of things it is so arranged and established that when the lower self, out of love of truth and goodness, voluntarily offers the best within it to serve the higher aims, then the soul's qualities are transmuted, and these become the sustenance of its higher nature. The offering of his best efforts by the imperfect personality (sinful man) is acceptable by the Higher Self provided he has not acted from outward considerations or from expectation of reward to follow well doing.

"Love the love which loves you everlastingly-for the more you love the more you desire to love," and "when we spirits hold fast by love, He by His Spirit remakes us, then joy is ours. The Spirit of God breathes us out toward love and good works, and it breathes us into rest and joy; and that is eternal life, just as in our mortal life we breathe out the air which is in us and breathe in fresh air." - RUYSBROCK, Ladder of Love.

"Prayer is good with Fasting and Alms, more than to buy up treasures of gold. For Alms delivereth from death. . . . They that practise mercy and justice shall live long." - TOBIT xii. 8, 9.

In essence, almsgiving and charity symbolize the transmutation of the lower desires into higher qualities through conscious and loving offering, nourishing the soul and fortifying the causal-body with divine life.

See Also

CAUSAL-BODY
FOOD FOR SOUL
Lazarus
LOVE of God
MENDICANT
PRAGAPATI
SANNYASIN
TRANSMUTATION
WILL