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Summary of Question:	Ethical Dilemma
Category:	General Sikhism
Date Posted:	Monday, 1/05/2004 11:13 PM MST

Khalsa Ji,

I have an ethical question for you. I am a student and there is a homeless man who lives near me. He's allways going right up to people and asking them for money. I see him quite often and he's come up to me a few times. I've allways refused him, but yesterday I felt guilty. The thing is, he seems healthy enough to work and it's possible he just doesn't try hard enough. He also smokes. If he asks for money for food, is it right to refuse him? There are plenty of other students here who can give it to him. He could get a job. Won't giving him money contribute to a cycle of dependency?
I'm not cheap, I just resent someone not working and badgering me for money. Please give me some advice. I feel really bad about this today. I don't want him thinking that I'm a walking ATM and coming up to me all the time.


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First of all, whether you give to this man or not is totally up to you. It doesn't matter what he thinks or others think...your gift to him has to be from your heart and consciousness.

If you don't feel comfortable about giving this man money, but you want to give him something, give him food, a pair of warm gloves, socks or a new tooth brush and tooth paste. You'd be surprised how much those things are appreciated by the homeless. Many times the homeless want to get out of their situation, but they are stuck and need help out. If there is an organization in your community that helps the homeless, you could refer him to that organization. Hand him the name of the organization, the phone number and address. Many times these organizations provide food, shelter, showers, and a service to help them find a job. The Salvation Army has such a service in many cities. Say a prayer for this man. Try to find the compassion in you to bless him when you see him, not condemn him. GTKK