The Paradox Of Generosity: How Giving With Contempt Can Backfire

Even though Rishya shringa was officiting the Aswamedha yaga of Dasharatha.
He requested Vasishta himself to take the entire responsibility upon his shoulders.
Rishyashringa is young.
Yaga is not just about what happens inside the yaga vedi.
Conducting a yaga is a huge task.
Ashwamedha, any king is entitled to do.
But conducting Ashwamedha faultlessly is a huge task.
This becomes obvious when you see the meticulous arrangements that Vasishta makes in the 13th sarga of the Balakanda.
The whole procedure started one year back with Sangarahaneshti on ChaitraPurnima.
The main yaga is going to happen now.
Vasishta has been made in charge of this.
By the nomenclature of yajna, Vasishta is the adhwaryu.
This main yaga starts with Brahmaudana.
The horse, when it comes back, whatever ghee remains after offering ahutis in Brahmaudana, that ghee is to be applied on the reins of the horse by dipping it into this ghee.
Vasishta appointed Vedic scholars for each and every task connected with the yaga.
They were all experts in conducting Ashamedha yaga.
Called for experienced sthapathis for construction.
Sthapatis are architects and engineers for designing and construction.
Vasishta called for the best, most experienced and ethical.
These are all people most committed to their work.
They will not leave mid way and go.
Not just engineers, sculptors, those who would dig wells and ponds, carpenters to make ladles and vessels used in the yaga, painters, engravers, entertainers - dancers,actors.
Thousands of bricks were ordered to be made.
There will be so many guests coming.
Construct suitable places where kings can stay.
Make hundreds of places for Brahmins to stay.
Each place will have its own features, you see.
Place where a king would stay should be well protected.
A place where a brahmin would stay has to be simple but water and other materials required for their daily rituals should be available.
That's why Vasishta is giving clear instructions separately.
Food should be made available for everyone in plenty.
The construction should be strong.
And for the general public also, suitable accommodation should be made.
There will be thousands of them coming.
Also make provisions for horses elephants of kings and dignitaries who are going to come.
And for their soldiers and assistants as well.
Whenever you offer something to someone, whoever it may be, offer it with respect, treat everyone with respect, follow the proper procedure of offering something such as after applying tilaka.
It is your good fortune that someone is accepting something from you.
You are the beneficiary, not him.
He may be your friend.
But don't give anything casually.
Follow the proper method.
अवज्ञया कृतं हन्याद्दातारं नात्र संशयः - whatever someone gives looking down upon the recipient it will destroy the giver.
Don't think people have lined up for food with discipline so you can be mean with them.
दातव्यमन्नं विधिवत्सत्कृत्य न तु लीलया न चावज्ञा प्रयोक्तव्या कामक्रोधवशादपि - not just food, those who have come to work they should be properly compensated.
It's for the king, that doesn't mean it is free work.
They have to be paid proper wages.
There should not be a single person who would go back unsatisfied from here.
Follow every protocol,follow every procedure.
I don't want anything to go wrong.
Then Sage Vasishta called Sumantra the minister and said, 'invite all the virtuous kings from all over the world.' not just kings, every virtuous person from all over the world should be invited.
But some of the kings need special attention.
Sumantra should make sure that they are personally invited.
Other kings, messengers can be sent.
But these kings have to be personally invited.
Which Sumantra himself has to handle personally.
King of Mithila, Janaka.
King of Kashi.
King of Kekaya, along with his son.
Also king of Kosala.
Because of their special relationship with Dasharatha.
Then Angaraja, Romapada.
King of Magadha.
Then send messengers for all the kings of the east, of the west , of the south, of Saurashtra, of Sowveera.
Sumantra acted upon Vasishta's instructions.
Vasishta kept on going around and inspecting all the preparations.
But one point he kept on repeating is that whenever you give something treat the recipient with respect.
Then only it will yield any benefit.
After a few days, Vasishta told Dasharatha, everything was ready.
Then they all proceeded towards the yaga shala on the other bank ofSarayu at the proper time.