Charity and Community service

His Holiness The Dalai Lama says, ‘There is no need for temples, no need for complicated philosophy. Our own brain, our own heart is our temple and the philosophy is kindness.’

Engaging ourselves in community service is the best way to not only make a difference to the world, but also enhance our physical and mental health.

Acts of charity that help…

1. Donate money: Amid our hectic lives, we forget how important it is to help the less privileged. Small or big monetary donations to help the ones in need are critical to a human being’s existence.

2. Volunteer: Volunteering could be the best way to channelise your skills and energies towards a good cause. You could select an organisation whose work appeals to you and help them with your time and skills.

You could start it small by volunteering an hour a day or for a couple of hours every weekend.

3. Spread the Word: Publicise your community service in social media and in your official and family network. This might encourage your colleagues, friends and relatives to join you in your social work initiatives.

How does charity help you?

The good you do goes around. The selfless work you put in could wipe tears from many or bring smiles to scores of people. If you are volunteering your time for environmental activities, it could result in a greener planet, the benefits of which would be enjoyed by generations to come.

Acts of compassion enhance mental and physical health too. Research by Ed Diener and Martin Seligman found out that compassion gives a boost to mental and physical health.

Studies by Stephanie Brown at Stonybrook University suggest that compassion may even lengthen our life.