Giving one-tenth of one’s personal income to one’s spiritual guide (Guru) is considered the duty of every Sikh. It should not be compared to income tax, because tax is collected by the government through authority, and those who do not pay it may be punished. Nor should it be regarded as charity, because in many religious traditions charity is seen as a ritualistic act performed to attain liberation or to secure a place in heaven. Such a concept has no place in Sikhism. Moreover, charity can sometimes encourage idleness and begging.
Dasvandh is given voluntarily, out of one’s own free will. The money collected from it is used for religious and community activities that provide spiritual nourishment to people.
This spiritual nourishment is obtained through holy congregation (Sadh Sangat), Kirtan (devotional singing), and the teachings of the Guru. The collected funds are used to organize congregations, maintain the Langar (community kitchen), and arrange activities in accordance with Sikh traditions so that people remain connected to a disciplined way of life.
Since the Guru belongs to everyone, Dasvandh is used not only for the construction of Gurdwaras and the management of Sarai (inns) attached to them, but also for supporting poor and orphaned children by running orphanages. It is also used to establish and operate schools and colleges, enabling people to receive both religious and general education, so that they can lead better lives.
For vocational training, technical colleges and medical colleges are also supported. In addition, financial assistance such as educational expenses and scholarships for poor students is provided from these funds. Sometimes talented and deserving students are even sent abroad for higher education, where the financial support is often provided in the form of a loan.
During the time of the Sikh Gurus, this money was used to develop cities such as Amritsar Sahib and Anandpur Sahib. Houses and shops were built to provide people with places to live and work. Funds were also given as loans or grants to help people establish their livelihoods.
To overcome water shortages, wells, stepwells (Baolis), and ponds were constructed, and small irrigation channels were built for agriculture. Centers of higher learning were also established in Amritsar Sahib, Anandpur Sahib, and Guru Ki Kashi (Talwandi Sabo), where scholars were engaged in research and advanced studies.
Healthcare services have always depended on the Dasvandh contributed by the community. Institutions such as Pingalwaras, which care for disabled and destitute patients, have been supported by these funds. Today, efforts are also being made to establish specialized hospitals and institutes, including facilities capable of performing complex procedures such as open-heart surgery.
Another important use of Dasvandh is to help people face and overcome crises. These crises may take the form of natural disasters, such as earthquakes, floods, or widespread diseases, or social problems like refugee crises. It can also help during political or religious crises, such as oppression based on religion or when a nation faces slavery or injustice.
Thus, helping the needy and fulfilling the needs of the suffering through Dasvandh is a highly valuable practice that has continued since the time of the Sikh Gurus.
(With thanks – taken from the book “Moral Education”)
