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A spiritual comment and prayer to begin the day with Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies

Good morning.

Sometimes, when I speak in public, I’m challenged by claims that we can be good without God. This has never been a difficulty for Hindus, so I challenge back that I don’t have a problem with that – and no matter our faith or belief we should agree on a few good things – like charity.

In the Bhagavat, a very influential Hindu book, we hear of Bali Maharaja, a powerful king, who had no interest in God. He was a good leader, a principled man, famed for his generosity and care for others. Vishnu, in this case God, visited Bali disguised as a dwarf priest and asked for three steps of land. It seemed a small request as he had such a little stride. Bali was happy to grant Vishnu’s wish, but realised all wasn’t as it seemed when, with one step, the dwarf engulfed the earth, and with the second he pierced the outer limit of the Universe. Bali realised that he was being pranked – by God. But Bali refused to go back on his word. With one step outstanding, and nothing else to offer but himself, Bali asked Vishnu to place his final step on his head.

For Bali Maharaja the act of giving was a principle of such importance that there was no sacrifice he wouldn’t make to sustain it. That’s a good man. Someone you could trust, and even though he lived a life ignoring God, God didn’t ignore him.

This morning’s prayer is a rewording of two ancient prayers. One is from the Taittiriya Upanisad and the other from the poet Kabir. We came into this world with fists closed and we go away with open palms. So, while living, open our hands and give liberally; give with faith; give with understanding; give with sensitivity, and give with a feeling of abundance.

Hare Krishna.