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Dana (Samskrit : दानम्) is the tradition of 'giving away' or 'donation' without expecting any return' is practiced widely in the world as 'philanthropy', largely been driven by traditional faith-based motivation while the practice of purpose-based or secular giving is slowly gaining ground in the present day society. Traditionally the act of 'giving' involves a complex and variegated thought process of people who 'gave' in many forms (water, food, money) following rituals (shraddha, yajnas), themes (annadana, vratas, digging of wells for public welfare), ways (गुप्तदानम् । gupta dana : unknown to anyone, or visible to everyone), times (kartika masa) and methods (scriptural procedures).

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== व्युत्पत्तिः || Etymology ==

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== व्युत्पत्तिः ॥ Etymology ==

The word Dana is derived from the dhatu 'दा' दाने with the following synonyms given in '''Nighantu''' meaning 'giving' 'distribution' 'bestowing' ' presentation' 'generous' etc. <blockquote>दाति दाशति दासति राति रासति पृणक्षि पृणाति शिक्षति तुञ्जत मंहते इति [ दश ] दानकर्माणः। २० । (Nighantu 3.20) <ref>Nirukta ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%98%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%9F%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 3])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dāti dāśati dāsati rāti rāsati pr̥ṇakṣi pr̥ṇāti śikṣati tuñjata maṁhatē iti [ daśa ] dānakarmāṇaḥ। 20 । (Nighantu 3.20)</blockquote>'''Amarakosa''' defines Dana as the dravya (material) given away to devatas, brahmanas and others and is summarized as : Tyaga (त्यागः । giving up), Vihapitam (विहापितम् a gift) Utsarjana (उत्सर्गः donation), Visarjana (विसर्जनम् giving away) Visrananam (विश्राणनम् donation) Vitarana (वितरणम् giving up), Sparshana (स्पर्शनम् a gift) <blockquote>देवब्राह्मणादिसम्प्रदानकद्रव्यमोचनम् . तत्पर्य्यायः . त्यागः २ विहापितम् ३ उत्सर्जनम् ४ विसर्जनम् ५ विश्राणनम् ६ वितरणम् ७ स्पर्शनम् ८ प्रतिपादनम् ९ प्रादेशनम् १०निर्व्वपणम् ११ अपवर्जनम् १२ अंहतिः इत्यमरः</blockquote><blockquote>dēvabrāhmaṇādisampradānakadravyamōcanam . tatparyyāyaḥ . tyāgaḥ 2 vihāpitam 3 utsarjanam 4 visarjanam 5 viśrāṇanam 6 vitaraṇam 7 sparśanam 8 pratipādanam 9 prādēśanam 10nirvvapaṇam 11 apavarjanam 12 aṁhatiḥ ityamaraḥ</blockquote>

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The practice of 'giving', as we see dates back to the days of Rigveda. Gifts of various kinds and donors have been highly eulogised in the Rigveda. There are 'danastutis' in many Rigveda mantras.Example : In suktas 1.125 and 1.126 the gifts made by king Svanaya to Kakshivat are praised and dana in general is eulogised.<ref name=":12" /><blockquote>नाकस्य पृष्ठे अधि तिष्ठति श्रितो यः पृणाति स ह देवेषु गच्छति । तस्मा आपो घृतमर्षन्ति सिन्धवस्तस्मा इयं दक्षिणा पिन्वते सदा ॥५॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.125.5)<ref>Rigveda ([http://vedicheritage.gov.in/samhitas/rigveda/shakala-samhita/rigveda-shakala-samhitas-mandal-01-sukta-125/ Mandala 1 Sukta 125])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>nākasya pṛṣṭhe adhi tiṣṭhati śrito yaḥ pṛṇāti sa ha deveṣu gacchati । tasmā āpo ghṛtamarṣanti sindhavastasmā iyaṃ dakṣiṇā pinvate sadā ॥5॥ (Rig. Veda. 1.125.5)</blockquote>Meaning: He who supports those who are dependent on him by liberally giving them money (wealth) and food enjoys all heavenly happiness. He attains the heavenly worlds and becomes one among the devatas. The streams of water flow widely to provide him the life sustaining water and the earth provides him with abundance of food etc.<ref>Pt. Ramgovind Trivedi. (1954) ''Hindi Rigveda''. Prayaga:Bharat's Press Ltd</ref>

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The subject of dana is of utmost importance in the present yuga as mentioned by Manu while propounding the kaliyuga dharmas in Manusmriti. Manu and others (Parashara Smriti) state that in the four yugas namely Krita (कृत), Treta (त्रेता), Dvapara (द्वापर) and Kali (कलि), the principal aspects of religious life were respectively Tapas (तपः), metaphysical knowledge (ज्ञानं ), sacrifices (यज्ञं) and danam (दानम्) <blockquote>तपः परं कृतयुगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानं उच्यते । द्वापरे यज्ञं एवाहुर्दानं एकं कलौ युगे ~~। ।~~ १.८६ ~~। ।~~ (Manu. Smri. 1.86)<ref>Manusmriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tapaḥ paraṃ kṛtayuge tretāyāṃ jñānaṃ ucyate । dvāpare yajñaṃ evāhurdānaṃ ekaṃ kalau yuge ~~। ।~~ 1.86 ~~। ।~~ (Manu. Smri. 1.86)</blockquote>Similar idea is also mentioned in Mahabharata. In Shanti Parva it is explained that the dharma of people varies from one age to another: tapasya is best in Sat Yuga, Gnana in Treta Yuga, and Yajna in Dwapar Yug. In Kali Yuga, dana alone is best practice for people.<ref>Mahabharat. Shantiparv. Ch. 231.27-28 (Ved Vyas, 2001, p. 5036).</ref>

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The subject of dana is of utmost importance in the present yuga as mentioned by Manu while propounding the kaliyuga dharmas in Manusmriti. Manu and others (Parashara Smriti) state that in the four yugas namely Krita (कृत), Treta (त्रेता), Dvapara (द्वापर) and Kali (कलि), the principal aspects of religious life were respectively Tapas (तपः), metaphysical knowledge (ज्ञानं ), sacrifices (यज्ञं) and danam (दानम्) <blockquote>तपः परं कृतयुगे त्रेतायां ज्ञानं उच्यते । द्वापरे यज्ञं एवाहुर्दानं एकं कलौ युगे ॥ १.८६ ॥ (Manu. Smri. 1.86)<ref>Manusmriti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%A5%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 1])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tapaḥ paraṃ kṛtayuge tretāyāṃ jñānaṃ ucyate । dvāpare yajñaṃ evāhurdānaṃ ekaṃ kalau yuge ॥ 1.86 ॥ (Manu. Smri. 1.86)</blockquote>Similar idea is also mentioned in Mahabharata. In Shanti Parva it is explained that the dharma of people varies from one age to another: tapasya is best in Sat Yuga, Gnana in Treta Yuga, and Yajna in Dwapar Yug. In Kali Yuga, dana alone is best practice for people.<ref>Mahabharat. Shantiparv. Ch. 231.27-28 (Ved Vyas, 2001, p. 5036).</ref>

== दानलक्षणानि ॥ Characteristics of Dana ==

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The two hetus (drivers, push factors) of dana, which help increase or decrease it, are shraddha (श्रद्धा) and shakti (शक्ति).<blockquote>श्रद्धा शक्तिश्च दानानां वृद्ध्यक्षयकरेहि ते॥ ४.४१ ॥ śraddhā śaktiśca dānānāṁ vr̥ddhyakṣayakarēhi tē॥ 4.41 ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.41)<ref name=":23" /> </blockquote>1. If you give away your entire property without shraddha, you will not get any benefit. However, if you give even a little of your justly earned money, you will be able to please Shri Shiv, provided you give with shraddha.

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2. The second hetu is shakti (capacity). You should only give out of what is left after meeting needs of the family. If money is given to a rich and capable person, while the family is living in penury, then all benefit is lost. This causes dharma to transform into adharma. Similarly, if someone performs shradha for a dead person, while the living dependents suffer, then this will result in misery for the donor in this life and thereafter.

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2. The second hetu is shakti (capacity). You should only give out of what is left after meeting needs of the family. If money is given to a rich and capable person, while the family is living in penury, then all benefit is lost. This causes dharma to transform into [[Adharma (अधर्मः)|adharma]]. Similarly, if someone performs shradha for a dead person, while the living dependents suffer, then this will result in misery for the donor in this life and thereafter.

=== षडधिष्ठानानि ॥ Six Motives ===

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=== षडङ्गानि ॥ Six Components ===

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<blockquote>दाता प्रतिग्रहीता च शुद्धिर्देयं च धर्मयुक्॥ ४.६२ ॥ देशकालौ च दानानामंगान्येतानि षड्विदुः॥ ४.६३ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.62 and 63) <ref name=":23" /></blockquote><blockquote>dātā pratigrahītā ca śuddhirdēyaṁ ca dharmayuk॥ 4.62 ॥ dēśakālau ca dānānāmaṁgānyētāni ṣaḍviduḥ॥ 4.63 ॥ </blockquote>According to Hemadri, these six angas (constituent elements) of dana have been cited by Devala also.<ref name=":12">Kane, Pandurang. Vaman. (1941) ''History of Dharmasastra, Volume Two, Part 2.'' Poona: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute</ref>The six components of dana are donor (दाता), ~~Accepter~~ (प्रतिग्रहीता), purification (शुद्धिः), legitimate/appropriate object for donating (धर्मयुक्), place (देशः), and time (कालः):

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Donors should be Dharmatmas or the virtuous by nature and their inherent nature is to give willingly and happily. They should be devoid of vyasanas (bad habits), be the symbols of purity, and anindaneeya (blemishless) in character. A donor who is ill-mannered, evil-minded, having many vyasanas, disrespectful towards the acceptor, and one who donates with some evil intentions or for fulfilling his means is an Adhama. <blockquote>दाता प्रतिग्रहीता च शुद्धिर्देयं च धर्मयुक्॥ ४.६२ ॥ देशकालौ च दानानामंगान्येतानि षड्विदुः॥ ४.६३ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.62 and 63) <ref name=":23" /></blockquote><blockquote>dātā pratigrahītā ca śuddhirdēyaṁ ca dharmayuk॥ 4.62 ॥ dēśakālau ca dānānāmaṁgānyētāni ṣaḍviduḥ॥ 4.63 ॥ </blockquote>According to Hemadri, these six angas (constituent elements) of dana have been cited by Devala also.<ref name=":12">Kane, Pandurang. Vaman. (1941) ''History of Dharmasastra, Volume Two, Part 2.'' Poona: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute</ref>The six components of dana are donor (दाता), Acceptor (प्रतिग्रहीता), purification (शुद्धिः), legitimate/appropriate object for donating (धर्मयुक्), place (देशः), and time (कालः).

1. Donor should be healthy, virtuous, desirous of giving, devoid of any addiction, holy, and earning a legitimate living.

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6. That which is difficult to obtain at a particular time (e.g. food during famine, or lamp-light at night), is the right item for donating at that time.

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According to the shastras, brahmana dharma entails that it is the dharma of a person of Brahmana varna to be a Dana pratigrhita (दानप्रतिग्रहीता)<blockquote>यजनं याजनं चैव तथा दानप्रतिग्रहौ। अध्यापनं चाध्ययनं षट्कर्मा धर्मभाग्द्विजः॥ 13-141-67 (Maha. Anush. 13.141.67)</blockquote>Mahabharata in the context of describing the six dharmas of a brahmana (dvija) clarifies that - performing yajnas (यजनं), directing others in performing yajnas (याजनं), accepting danas (दानप्रतिग्रहीता), teaching vedas (अध्यापनं), self study (अध्ययनं) of vedas are the six karmas and dharmas of brahmana dvijas.

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Kshatriya dharma included five duties - study of vedas, performing yajnas, giving dana (a donor), protecting citizens and punishing the guilty. Vaishya dharma included - study of vedas, performing yajnas, giving danas (a donor), protecting cows and engaging in agriculture, trade. Shudra dharmas included working in agriculture and services like carpentry, sculpture, dance, etc. One may note that brahmana varna are traditionally acceptors while kshatriya and vaishya varnas are the donors to both brahmanas and shudras.

=== द्विपाकौ ॥Two Results ===

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=== चतुःप्रकारम् ॥ Four Kinds of Dana ===

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<blockquote>ध्रुवमाहुस्त्रिकं काम्यं नैमित्तिकमिति क्रमात्॥ ४.७२ ॥ वैदिको दानमार्गोऽयं चतुर्धा वर्ण्यते द्विजैः॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.72)<ref name=":23" /></blockquote><blockquote>dhruvamāhustrikaṁ kāmyaṁ naimittikamiti kramāt॥ 4.72 ॥ vaidikō dānamārgō'yaṁ caturdhā varṇyatē dvijaiḥ॥ </blockquote>1. Works of public welfare, such as digging of wells and ponds, planting orchards and gardens, etc. are known as ~~dhruv~~ (ध्रुवम्) or eternal.

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<blockquote>ध्रुवमाहुस्त्रिकं काम्यं नैमित्तिकमिति क्रमात्॥ ४.७२ ॥ वैदिको दानमार्गोऽयं चतुर्धा वर्ण्यते द्विजैः॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.72)<ref name=":23" /></blockquote><blockquote>dhruvamāhustrikaṁ kāmyaṁ naimittikamiti kramāt॥ 4.72 ॥ vaidikō dānamārgō'yaṁ caturdhā varṇyatē dvijaiḥ॥ </blockquote>1. Works of public welfare, such as digging of wells and ponds, planting orchards and gardens, etc. are known as dhruva (ध्रुवम्) or eternal.

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2. Whatever is given on a daily basis is known as nitya (नित्य) or ~~trik~~ (त्रिकम्).

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2. Whatever is given on a daily basis is known as nitya (नित्य) or trika (त्रिकम्), example Vidyadana.

3. That which is given with a desire for offspring, victory, splendour, woman, power, or for fulfilling one’s wishes, is known as kamya (काम्य).

4. Naimittika (नैमित्तिकम् motivated) dana is of three types:

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# Kaalapeksha (कालापेक्ष) - that which is motivated by auspicious times or other planetary conjunctions.

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# Kaalapeksha (कालापेक्ष) - that which is motivated by auspicious times or other planetary conjunctions. Ex: Grahana (eclipses), Sankranti times (monthly transition of sun in a rashi) auspicious times such as weddings and some festivals.

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# Kriyapeksha (क्रियापेक्ष) - that which is motivated by an occasion or activity such as shraddh (श्राद्ध) etc.

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# Kriyapeksha (क्रियापेक्ष) - that which is motivated by an occasion or activity such as shraddh (श्राद्ध), vratas (vows) etc.

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# Gunapeksha (गुणापेक्ष) - that which is motivated by the recipient's character, knowledge, learning or other virtues.

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# Gunapeksha (गुणापेक्ष) - that which is motivated by the recipient's character, knowledge, learning or other virtues, example vidyadana.

=== त्रिविधद्रव्यदानम् ॥Three Ways based on Dana Items ===

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== Right Disposition ==

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The qualities of a respectable transaction mentioned as Shraddha (श्रद्धा) are outlined in this section. In the Taittiriya Upanisad, the Guru imparts the student to be charitable. It mentions various conditions of charity<ref>Taittiriya Upanisad, 1:11:2 and 1:11:3</ref>:<blockquote>ये के चास्मच्छ्रेयाँसो ब्राह्मणाः तेषां त्वयाऽऽसनेन प्रश्वसितव्यम् । श्रद्धया देयम् । अश्रद्धयाऽदेयम् । श्रिया देयम् । ह्रिया देयम् । भिया देयम् । संविदा देयम् । अथ यदि ते कर्मविचिकित्सा वा वृत्तविचिकित्सा वा स्यात् ॥ ३ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>ye ke cāsmacchreyām̐so brāhmaṇāḥ teṣāṁ tvayā<nowiki>''sanena praśvasitavyam । śraddhayā deyam । aśraddhayā'</nowiki>deyam । śriyā deyam । hriyā deyam । bhiyā deyam । saṁvidā deyam । atha yadi te karmavicikitsā vā vr̥ttavicikitsā vā syāt ॥ 3 ॥</blockquote>

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The qualities of a respectable transaction mentioned as Shraddha (श्रद्धा) are outlined in this section. In the Taittiriya Upanisad, the [[Guru (गुरुः)|Guru]] imparts the student to be charitable. It mentions various conditions of charity<ref>Taittiriya Upanisad, 1:11:2 and 1:11:3</ref>:<blockquote>ये के चास्मच्छ्रेयाँसो ब्राह्मणाः तेषां त्वयाऽऽसनेन प्रश्वसितव्यम् । श्रद्धया देयम् । अश्रद्धयाऽदेयम् । श्रिया देयम् । ह्रिया देयम् । भिया देयम् । संविदा देयम् । अथ यदि ते कर्मविचिकित्सा वा वृत्तविचिकित्सा वा स्यात् ॥ ३ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>ye ke cāsmacchreyām̐so brāhmaṇāḥ teṣāṁ tvayā<nowiki>''sanena praśvasitavyam । śraddhayā deyam । aśraddhayā'</nowiki>deyam । śriyā deyam । hriyā deyam । bhiyā deyam । saṁvidā deyam । atha yadi te karmavicikitsā vā vr̥ttavicikitsā vā syāt ॥ 3 ॥</blockquote>

# Give with respect/honour (Sraddha deyam)

# Don’t give with disrespect/dishonour

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# Give with awe and respect

# Give with fellow-feeling and friendly attitude

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In the Mahabharata, story of [[Shibi Chakravarti (~~शिबिचक्रवर्तिः~~)|Shibi Chakravarti]] is narrated wherein he explained that he does not give dana for prestige or gain. He gives dana only because it is the righteous path of dharma, on which the best have always walked.<ref>Mahabharat, Van Parv, Markandeya Samaasya Parv. Ch. 198 (Ved Vyas, 2001, pp. 1518-21)</ref>

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In the Mahabharata, story of [[Shibi Chakravarti (शिबिचक्रवर्ती)|Shibi Chakravarti]] is narrated wherein he explained that he does not give dana for prestige or gain. He gives dana only because it is the righteous path of dharma, on which the best have always walked.<ref>Mahabharat, Van Parv, Markandeya Samaasya Parv. Ch. 198 (Ved Vyas, 2001, pp. 1518-21)</ref>

== Right Premises ==

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* According to Yajnavalkya smriti quoted by Hemadri<ref>Pt. Bharatachandra Siromani (1873) ''[https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.424417/2015.424417.chaturvarga-chintamani#page/n113/mode/2up Chaturvarga Chintamani by Hemadri, Vol 1, Dana kanda.]'' Adhyaya 3 - Pages 82 to 86 Calcutta: The Asiatic Society of Bengal</ref> that is a good place (सर्वपुण्यतमो देशः) to donate where dharma is followed by all brahmins.

<blockquote>न हीयते यत्र धर्म्मश्चतुष्पात् सकलो द्विज! । स देशः परमो नित्यं सर्वपुण्यतमो मतः । na hīyate yatra dharmmaścatuṣpāt sakalo dvija! । sa deśaḥ paramo nityaṁ sarvapuṇyatamo mataḥ ।</blockquote>

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* Charities made on the banks of great rivers have always been lauded to bestow infinite rewards. This aspect has found many references in puranas and smritis. According to Vyasa smriti referred in <ref name=":0" />

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* Charities made on the banks of great rivers have always been lauded to bestow infinite rewards. This aspect has found many references in puranas and smritis. According to Vyasa smriti referred in Vachaspatyam<ref name=":0" />

<blockquote>गङ्गा-द्वारे प्रयागे च अविमुक्ते च पुष्करे । नगरे चाट्टहासे च गङ्गासागरसङ्गमे । कुरुक्षेत्रे गयायाञ्च तीर्थे वाऽमरकण्टके । एवमादिषु तीर्थेषु दत्तमक्षयतामियात् । सर्वतीर्थमयी गङ्गा तत्र दत्तं महाफलम् । </blockquote><blockquote>Banks of Ganga river, Prayaga, Pushkara, place where Ganga joins the sea, Kurukshetra, Gaya, Amarakantaka tirthas are places where immense rewards are bestowed when danas are made, especially Ganga river which is equal to all tirthas.</blockquote>

* Skanda Purana adds to the above list including Varanasi, Kurukshetra, Naimisharanya, Sriparvata, Mahakala at Ujjain, Gokarna, Veda-parvata - these and the like are declared to be holy places, the habitations of cows, siddhas, and rishis are holy and whatever is donated in these sacred places confers infinite rewards.

== Limits of Dana ==

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Dana should only be made from money left over after fulfilling the requirements of the family as mentioned in Kurma Purana and Padma Purana.<ref name=":02" /><blockquote>कुटुम्बभक्तवसनाद् देयं यदतिरिच्यते । अन्यथा दीयते यद्धि न तद् दानं फलप्रदम् ।। २६.१० (Kurm. Pura. Uttar. 26.10)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Dana should be given of what is left over after distribution for the family needs, when given otherwise, that dana will be fruitless.<blockquote>न तद्दानं प्रशंसन्ति येन वृत्तिर्विपद्यते । दानं यज्ञस्तपः कर्म लोके वृत्तिमतो यतः ॥ ३६ ॥ (Bhag. Pura. 8.19.36)<ref name=":2">Bhagavata Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AE/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AF Skanda 8 Adhyaya 19])</ref></blockquote>Dana should not result in hardship to the donor’s dependents or loss of livelihood. That would take away all the punya.

+

Dana should only be made from money left over after fulfilling the requirements of the family as mentioned in Kurma Purana and Padma Purana.<ref name=":02" /><blockquote>कुटुम्बभक्तवसनाद् देयं यदतिरिच्यते । अन्यथा दीयते यद्धि न तद् दानं फलप्रदम् ॥ २६.१० (Kurm. Pura. Uttar. 26.10)<ref name=":1" /></blockquote>Dana should be given of what is left over after distribution for the family needs, when given otherwise, that dana will be fruitless.<blockquote>न तद्दानं प्रशंसन्ति येन वृत्तिर्विपद्यते । दानं यज्ञस्तपः कर्म लोके वृत्तिमतो यतः ॥ ३६ ॥ (Bhag. Pura. 8.19.36)<ref name=":2">Bhagavata Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A7%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%AE/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7%E0%A5%AF Skanda 8 Adhyaya 19])</ref></blockquote>Dana should not result in hardship to the donor’s dependents or loss of livelihood. That would take away all the punya.

However, there is an alternative view (Shukraneeti, 2.177), which suggests that giving away all (without holding back anything for one’s family) is an attribute of being Danasheela. There are also several stories where a person gives away all (like [[Harishchandra (सत्यहरिश्चन्द्रः)|Raja Harishchandra]] sells off his wife and son to keep his word) or causes grief to family by giving a dear one’s life (like [[Shibi Chakravarti (शिबिचक्रवर्तिः)|Shibi Chakravarti]] who gives away his own life to save a dove).<ref name=":02" />

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=== Based on Orientation ===

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Ishtapurta (इष्टापूर्त) is a word of high antiquity that deserves consideration in the subject of dana. It occurs in the Rigveda and the sense seems to be 'the cumulative ~~spiritual~~ result of merit due to a man's performance of sacrifices and charitable acts'. The word though employed in the singular consists of two parts, ishta (what is sacrificed) and purta (what is filled).<ref name=":12" />

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Ishtapurta (इष्टापूर्त) is a word of high antiquity that deserves consideration in the subject of dana. It occurs in the Rigveda and the sense seems to be 'the cumulative adhyatmik result of merit due to a man's performance of sacrifices and charitable acts'. The word though employed in the singular consists of two parts, ishta (what is sacrificed) and purta (what is filled).<ref name=":12" />

−

* Ishta (इष्टा) : Acts which are primarily religious in nature (yajna, homa, tapas, atithi satkar etc) and are turned inwards, are called Ishta. The rewards of such acts are invisible in this life and will be enjoyed in heavens.<ref name=":02" />

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* '''Ishta (इष्टा)''' : Acts which are primarily religious in nature (yajna, homa, tapas, atithi satkar etc) and are turned inwards, are called Ishta. The rewards of such acts are invisible in this life and will be enjoyed in heavens.<ref name=":02" />

−

* Purta (पूर्त) : Acts which are primarily charitable in nature (construction of public utilities, ponds, schools, rest houses, gardens, annakshetra, etc.) are called purta. The benefits of purta are visible in this life and include attainment of moksha. Charitable trusts are called purta works in texts.<ref name=":02" />

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* '''Purta (पूर्त)''' : Acts which are primarily charitable in nature (construction of public utilities, ponds, schools, rest houses, gardens, annakshetra, etc.) are called purta. The benefits of purta are visible in this life and include attainment of moksha. Charitable trusts are called purta works in texts.<ref name=":02" />

=== Based on Beneficiary ===

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=== Based on the Nature of Dana ===

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According to Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, all dana can be classified into three categories: sattvika (associated with purity and ~~spirituality~~), rajasika (associated with materialism and worldly affairs) and tamasika (associated with lack of intellect and leads to darkness). Shraddha or the right disposition is also defined in Skanda Purana as follows<blockquote>त्रिविधा भवति श्रद्धा देहिनां सा स्वभावजा॥ सात्त्विकी राजसी चैव तामसी चेति तां श्रृणु॥ ४.४६ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.46)<ref name=":23" /></blockquote><blockquote>trividhā bhavati śraddhā dehināṃ sā svabhāvajā॥ sāttvikī rājasī caiva tāmasī ceti tāṃ śrṛṇu॥ 4.46 ॥</blockquote>

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According to Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, all dana can be classified into three categories: sattvika (associated with purity and adhyatmikity), rajasika (associated with materialism and worldly affairs) and tamasika (associated with lack of intellect and leads to darkness). Shraddha or the right disposition is also defined in Skanda Purana as follows<blockquote>त्रिविधा भवति श्रद्धा देहिनां सा स्वभावजा॥ सात्त्विकी राजसी चैव तामसी चेति तां श्रृणु॥ ४.४६ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.46)<ref name=":23" /></blockquote><blockquote>trividhā bhavati śraddhā dehināṃ sā svabhāvajā॥ sāttvikī rājasī caiva tāmasī ceti tāṃ śrṛṇu॥ 4.46 ॥</blockquote>

* '''Sattvika Dana (सात्त्विकदानम्)''' : Sattvik dana is one that is made as a duty. It should be made after considering the time, place and the suitability of the receiver. The receiver should not perform any service or provide any benefit in return (अनुपकारी Anupkar). Swami Ramsukhdas explains that this kind of dana is really tyaga, relinquishment, in which nothing is desired in return. This type of dana is not the kind that gives punya (पुण्यम्), merit in return. Seeking such punya will transform the dana into rajasik (राजसिकदानम्).<ref name=":02" /> The Bhagavad Gita expounds the satvika dana as follows:<blockquote>दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे । देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्विकं स्मृतम् ॥ (भ.गी.१७.२०)<ref name=":32">A.C.Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada (1972), Bhagavad-gita As it is,The Bhakti Vedanta Book Trust</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dātavyamiti yaddānaṃ dīyate'nupakāriṇe । deśe kāle ca pātre ca taddānaṃ sātvikaṃ smṛtam ॥ (Bhag. Gita.17.20)</blockquote>

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* '''Rajasika (राजसिकदानम्)''' : Rajasika dana is made for getting some direct or indirect benefit (whether material or ~~spiritual~~) in return. The parting (of property) causes pain or regret to the donor. Or the dana is given after some persuasion (as in a collection or chanda - चंदा). Rajasika dana gives whatever benefits are sought by the donor.<ref name=":02" /> According to the Bhagavad Geeta,<blockquote>यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः । दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥ (भ.गी.१७.२१)<ref name=":32" /></blockquote><blockquote>yattu pratyupakārārthaṃ phalamuddiśya vā punaḥ । dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṃ taddānaṃ rājasaṃ smṛtam ॥ (Bhag. Gita.17.21)</blockquote>

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* '''Rajasika (राजसिकदानम्)''' : Rajasika dana is made for getting some direct or indirect benefit (whether material or adhyatmik) in return. The parting (of property) causes pain or regret to the donor. Or the dana is given after some persuasion (as in a collection or chanda - चंदा). Rajasika dana gives whatever benefits are sought by the donor.<ref name=":02" /> According to the Bhagavad Geeta,<blockquote>यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः । दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥ (भ.गी.१७.२१)<ref name=":32" /></blockquote><blockquote>yattu pratyupakārārthaṃ phalamuddiśya vā punaḥ । dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṃ taddānaṃ rājasaṃ smṛtam ॥ (Bhag. Gita.17.21)</blockquote>

* '''Tamasika (तामसिकदानम्)''' : When dana is made to an unsuitable person or without considering time or place, then it is called tamasika dana. If the dana is made without showing proper respect or in an insulting manner, then also it becomes tamasika. Another example of a tamasika dana would be where it is intended to cause bodily harm to another. In such a case, both the donor and the recipient are to be punished as for theft. The Bhagavad Gita says,<blockquote>अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते । असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥ (भ.गी.१७.२२)<ref name=":32" /></blockquote><blockquote>adeśakāle yaddānamapātrebhyaśca dīyate । asatkṛtamavajñātaṃ tattāmasamudāhṛtam ॥ (Bhag. Gita.17.22)</blockquote>

=== Based on the Purpose served ===

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Based on the purpose of dana as mentioned in several puranas, the classification is as given below<ref name=":02" />:<blockquote>दानं त्रिविधमित्येतत्कनिष्ठज्येष्ठमध्यमम् ।। तत्र नैश्रेयसं ज्येष्ठं कनिष्ठं स्वार्थसिद्धये ।। ३२.५५ ।। कारुण्यात्सर्वभूतेषु संविभागस्तु मध्यमः ।। (Brahmand. Pura. 1.32.55-56)<ref>Brahmanda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%A8 Purva Bhaga Adhyaya 32])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dānaṁ trividhamityētatkaniṣṭhajyēṣṭhamadhyamam ।। tatra naiśrēyasaṁ jyēṣṭhaṁ kaniṣṭhaṁ svārthasiddhayē ।। 32.55 ।। kāruṇyātsarvabhūtēṣu saṁvibhāgastu madhyamaḥ ।। </blockquote>

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Based on the purpose of dana as mentioned in several puranas, the classification is as given below<ref name=":02" />:<blockquote>दानं त्रिविधमित्येतत्कनिष्ठज्येष्ठमध्यमम् ॥ तत्र नैश्रेयसं ज्येष्ठं कनिष्ठं स्वार्थसिद्धये ॥ ३२.५५ ॥ कारुण्यात्सर्वभूतेषु संविभागस्तु मध्यमः ॥ (Brahmand. Pura. 1.32.55-56)<ref>Brahmanda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A9%E0%A5%A8 Purva Bhaga Adhyaya 32])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>dānaṁ trividhamityētatkaniṣṭhajyēṣṭhamadhyamam ॥ tatra naiśrēyasaṁ jyēṣṭhaṁ kaniṣṭhaṁ svārthasiddhayē ॥ 32.55 ॥ kāruṇyātsarvabhūtēṣu saṁvibhāgastu madhyamaḥ ॥ </blockquote>

* '''Jyestha (ज्येष्ठः)''' : Dana given in order to achieve moksh (nishreyas) is considered the most valuable form.

* '''Madhyama (मध्यमम्)''' : Dana given out of pity or kindness for others or for one's own kith and kin is considered to be of medium value. It is also called as Daya Dana (दयादानम्)

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=== Based on the Objective for giving ===

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Based the objective of making a dana, it is classified into four categories:<blockquote>नित्यं नैमित्तिकं काम्यं त्रिविधं दानमुच्यते । चतुर्थं विमलं प्रोक्तं सर्वदानोत्तमोत्तमम् ।। २६.४ (Kurm. Pura. Uttar. 26.4) <ref name=":1">Kurma Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Uttara Bhaga Adhyaya 26])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>nityaṁ naimittikaṁ kāmyaṁ trividhaṁ dānamucyatē । caturthaṁ vimalaṁ prōktaṁ sarvadānōttamōttamam ।। 26.4</blockquote>

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Based the objective of making a dana, it is classified into four categories:<blockquote>नित्यं नैमित्तिकं काम्यं त्रिविधं दानमुच्यते । चतुर्थं विमलं प्रोक्तं सर्वदानोत्तमोत्तमम् ॥ २६.४ (Kurm. Pura. Uttar. 26.4) <ref name=":1">Kurma Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%82%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D-%E0%A4%89%E0%A4%A4%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%A1%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%BD%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Uttara Bhaga Adhyaya 26])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>nityaṁ naimittikaṁ kāmyaṁ trividhaṁ dānamucyatē । caturthaṁ vimalaṁ prōktaṁ sarvadānōttamōttamam ॥ 26.4</blockquote>

* '''Nitya (नित्यम्)''' : When dana is made daily to Brahmins without any expectation of services or return, it is known as nitya dana. The benefits of such dana are eternal.

* '''Naimittika (नैमित्तिकम्)''' : When dana is made to learned people at a particular time to counter the effects of sins, it is known as naimittika.

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There are instances in the shrutis and smritis that some danas do not yield the desired results or are considered improper actions. Such danas which are not to be performed may again be classified based on the donor, danadravya (material) time, place etc. The important ones find mention here below.

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=== ~~द्रव्यम् ॥ Dravya~~ ===

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=== अदेयम्॥ Adeyam ===

Nine types of property should not be given in dana <ref name=":23" /> under any circumstances and one who does so should undergo prayaschitta for doing so. <blockquote>सामान्यं याचितं न्यासमाधिर्दाराश्च दर्शनम्॥ अन्वाहितं च निक्षेपः सर्वस्वं चान्वये सति॥ ४.५२ ॥ आपत्स्वपि न देयानि नववस्तूनि पंडितैः॥ यो ददाति स मूढात्मा प्रायाश्चित्तीयते नरः॥ ४.५३ ॥ (Skan. Pura. 1.4.52 and 53)</blockquote><blockquote>sāmānyaṃ yācitaṃ nyāsamādhirdārāśca darśanam॥ anvāhitaṃ ca nikṣepaḥ sarvasvaṃ cānvaye sati॥ 4.52 ॥ āpatsvapi na deyāni navavastūni paṃḍitaiḥ॥ yo dadāti sa mūḍhātmā prāyāścittīyate naraḥ॥ 4.53 ॥</blockquote>

# Samanya (सामान्यम्) - that which is ordinary or owned by everyone.

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# Nikshipta (निक्षिप्तम्) - that which has been entrusted to someone.

# Sanvaya Sarvasva Dana (सन्वय सर्वस्वदानम्) - giving away everything despite availability of descendants.

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~~That the~~ donation of things ~~that~~ are ~~of no use, however sacred they may~~ be is ~~exemplified in Kathopanishad through the famous story of [[Nachiketa (नचिकेताः)|Nachiketa]]~~, ~~who observes his father giving barren cows in charity to brahmins after conducting the Visvajit yajna. His father was giving away cows as~~ a ~~symbol of dana rather than with the real intent of giving Godana. Such acts of dana bring more harm~~ to ~~the donor than the rewards of charity~~.

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The donation of things in the above category are never to be done as recognised by the Panditas and one who makes such a donation is a Mudhatma, a dullard and has to perform Prayaschitta for such an act.

=== प्रतिग्रहीता ॥ [[Acceptor (प्रतिग्रहीता)|Acceptor]] ===

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A receiver should be assessed for his mental attitudes and physical conditions by the donor for a dana to be fruitful.There are sixteen kinds of payments made to ~~donees~~ that does not qualify as dana. <ref name=":02" /> Some of these that lead to a fruitless effort include dana given : to an immoral Brahmin, to a fallen Brahmin, to a thief, to a liar, to an ingrate, to a sinner, to a person who sells the Vedas, money earned through injustice to the village / town priest, to one’s father and other such gurujan, to snake-charmers, to one’s servants, to one’s family, to a person who abandons his vanprastha ashram, or sanyasa ashram and becomes a householder again.<ref>Mahabharat, Vanparv, Markandeya Samaasya Parv, 3.12.200.6-8, (Ved Vyas, 2001, p. 1524)</ref>

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A receiver should be assessed for his mental attitudes and physical conditions by the donor for a dana to be fruitful. There are sixteen kinds of payments made to acceptors that does not qualify as dana.<ref name=":02" />

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Some of these that lead to a fruitless effort include dana given : to an immoral Brahmin, to a fallen Brahmin, to a thief, to a liar, to an ingrate, to a sinner, to a person who sells the Vedas, money earned through injustice to the village/town priest, to one’s father and other such gurujan, to snake-charmers, to one’s servants, to one’s family, to a person who abandons his vanprastha ashram, or sanyasa ashram and becomes a householder again.<ref>Mahabharat, Vanparv, Markandeya Samaasya Parv, 3.12.200.6-8, (Ved Vyas, 2001, p. 1524)</ref>

== References ==

[[Category:Danas]]

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Revision as of 20:23, 5 December 2020

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