Someone asked ShriMaharaj, 'Why is it that the money given as dakshina at the time of treating someone to a meal is first wetted?' ShriMaharaj said, "There are two reasons for this. Firstly, the dakshina is given after its being wetted in the tears of joy that well up because the heart feels gratified from a sentiment that Rama's grace has caused the serving of food at one's hands, and from a hope that such occasions come about often; and secondly, one unknowingly gets a feeling of pride that one has been instrumental in giving away food, so the money is first wetted to wash off that pride. The feeling of pride of the donor would otherwise cling to the coin and be passed on to the recipient. Water is interposed so that it may not prove harmful to one who accepts the money."
* Dakshina: A money - gift given to a person who is being fed out of charity.
