Karna, Who Gave Without Asking Why

Karna was known through the kingdom for one vow - he would never refuse anyone who came to him with a request, no matter the cost. The gods decided to test this. Indra, disguised as a poor Brahmin, approached Karna at dawn and asked for his Armor and Earrings, the very protection fused to his body since birth, making him invincible in battle.

Those around him begged him to refuse. He knew exactly who stood before him, and what surrendering that Armor would cost him in the war ahead. Still, he peeled it from his own skin and handed it over, saying only that a broken vow would wound him more deeply than any battle ever could.

We rarely face tests so extreme, but we do face smaller versions daily, a moment to help when it's inconvenient, to give without checking what we'll get in return. Real generosity is not what we give when it costs us nothing. It is what we give when it costs us something, and we give it anyway.

Today, do one thing for someone that asks nothing in return, not even their thanks.