Giving Compass' Take:

• In this op-ed on Cleveland.com, computational scientist Sanjaya Gajurel explores the ethics and morality related to giving, and how it works into global philanthropy: We must balance the scales.

• Charity without thoughtfulness behind it isn't very effective. While giving can be seen as a "default" obligation, Gajurel also talks about the need for building sustainability.

• Here are some good questions to ask when giving strategically.

Looking back in history and mulling over current affairs, we find human greed playing a definitive role, directly or indirectly, in the bone-chilling widening of the chasm in inequalities between the rich and the poor. It has resulted in hundred of unnecessary deaths each day and has become a scourge of humanity. We are, therefore, obliged to fulfill our philanthropic responsibilities through temporary charity and foreign aid to save millions of lives and eliminate atrocious poverty from the face of the Earth.

In our pursuit of wealth, we have overlooked the benefits of the compassionate act of giving. We are still not in that conscious state where we get satisfaction by providing unconditional services to others, bringing a smile to their faces, and where we work for a sustainable world for future generations. Instead of creating a level playing field for the disadvantaged, we liken humanitarian efforts to an attempt to give championship trophies to all participants.

In fact, giving can bring meaning and purpose to our lives, making us feel good, and most importantly, helps us lead a pleasant life as sensible and responsible human beings. Several researchers have shown that people who give to charity are much happier, healthier, and live longer, which coincides with Vedic philosophy and Buddha's teachings. The concept of inner engineering is also getting traction throughout the world, a concept that states that real progress is determined by each joyful individual who can only operate optimally in that state.

Read the full article about why we are obliged to help others in need by Sanjaya Gajurel at cleveland.com.