Daswandh

[Sher Khalsa]

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Guru Nanak Devi Ji wrote "Those who share their honest earnings with needy, truly recognize the way (to god)" ang1245

When Guru Nanak Dev Ji started farming at Kartar Pur, near the end of their physical life, they use to divide the farm into 3 portions. 1 would go to 'Dharamsaal' (religious institutions), 1 for use by their family, and 3rd for the needy, hungry, and holy people.

Guru Ram Das Ji had appointed Masands (who later where excommunicated by Guru Gobind Singh Ji for misusing the panths money-similar to what lots of gurdwara commitees are doing today), they would collect offerings from devotees and bring it to Guru Ji who would spend the money for food and lodging for the sangat.

Guru Arjan Dev Ji said 1/10 of a persons income should be donated in the name of the Guru. (THIS IS THE DEFINITION OF DASWANDH RITE HERE)

Historians havce written that governments might have difficulty collecting taxes, but Sikhs brought their daswand to the Guru with pleasure and enthusiasm.

Guru Arjun Dev Ji also said "those Sikhs who take out daswandh shall not have sloth in their homes"

Bhai Nand Lal Ji in Tankhaah Naama wrote "Any Sikh who gives daswandh out of his/her honest earnings will earn a good name in the world"

Bhai Daya Singh Ji wrote in rehitnama "A Sikh should share his earnings with otehrs, help fulfill the needs of others and give daswandh for the Guru; by doing so he will suceed in all his efforts in life"

In Prem Sumaarage it is written "The essentials of ethical code (for Sikhs) are - do not inflict pain on anyone; do not give personal secret to each and everyone except your Guru and close friend; always work honestly and whatever you earn by Guru's grace, keep the daswandh out of it for God and spend it on charitable projects.

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