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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' involved 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 (gupt ~~dana~~ : unknown to anyone, visible to everyone), times (kartika masa) and methods (scriptural procedures).

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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' involved 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 (gupt dana : unknown to anyone, visible to everyone), times (kartika masa) and methods (scriptural procedures).

== Etymology ==

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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 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>

== Origin of Practice of Dana ==

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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=":1" /><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:Indian Press Ltd</ref>

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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:Indian Press Ltd</ref>

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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Traditional literature on dana is very large and varied, abounding with many nuances, and shades of opinion. Therefore, only a very simplistic presentation is given here. Dana by principle carries the following four important features<ref name=":0" />

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Traditional literature on dana is very large and varied, abounding with many nuances, and shades of opinion. Therefore, only a very simplistic presentation is given here. Dana by principle carries the following four important features<ref name=":02" />

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# '''For Your Own Sake''' : Dana is not given for the benefit of the recipient. Any benefit which the recipient may derive is secondary. It is fundamentally given for one's own benefit. This is based on the basic concept that the world is a binding factor, and wealth is one of the anchors that binds us to this earth (in cycles of birth and death). Therefore, practice of tyaga or 'sacrifice' or 'giving up' one's wealth helps corrode this anchor.

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# '''For Your Own Sake''' : Dana is not given for the benefit of the recipient. Any benefit which the recipient may derive is secondary. It is fundamentally given for one's own benefit. This is based on the basic concept that the world is a binding factor, and wealth is one of the anchors that binds us to this earth (in cycles of birth and death). Therefore, practice of tyaga or 'sacrifice' or 'giving up' one's wealth helps corrode this anchor.

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# '''A Suitable Recipient''' : His/her connection with a dana must end when they part with the property. They are mostly not concerned with how the item is eventually utilised. However, at the time of identifying the recipient, they must find a suitable candidate, patra (पात्रः). It is generally recognised that while most dana is directed towards Brahmins dana to non-Brahmins is not prohibited or insignificant. This is broadly in line with the pauranik directives. However, there are three important caveats:

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# '''A Suitable Recipient''' : His/her connection with a dana must end when they part with the property. They are mostly not concerned with how the item is eventually utilised. However, at the time of identifying the recipient, they must find a suitable candidate, patra (पात्रः). It is generally recognised that while most dana is directed towards Brahmins dana to non-Brahmins is not prohibited or insignificant. This is broadly in line with the pauranik directives. However, there are three important caveats:

#* Only dana is generally directed towards Brahmins. Utsarg is for the benefit of the community as a whole.

#* There is a clear preference for learned or yajnakarta Brahmins. There are also strong prohibitions against giving to a Brahmin who is Brahmin only by birth, and is neither learned nor cultured. Giving to an incapable Brahmin will result in both the donor and the recipient sinking.

#* At several places, the Puranas advise Kshatriyas (क्षत्रियः) and Vaishyas (वैश्यः) not to accept dana. However, Agni Purana (अग्निपुराणम्) clearly says that you get punya by giving to non-Brahmins, including Shudra (शूद्रः) and Varna-sankar (वर्णसंकरः). It also specifies the proportion of benefit depending on the recipient.

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# '''Giving Respectfully''' : Puranas emphasise that the punya of a dana is lost if the donation is made with disrespect or made regretfully. Such a dana may be classified as tamasik. Therefore, the donor should welcome the recipient, and offer the dana with respect. The recipient should also be given dakshina, possibly to defray the expenses / time spent in participating in the dana ritual. This protects the value of the main dana, so far as the donor is concerned. Dana for attaining prestige or fame in society is of the lowest kind,

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# '''Giving Respectfully''' : Puranas emphasise that the punya of a dana is lost if the donation is made with disrespect or made regretfully. Such a dana may be classified as tamasik. Therefore, the donor should welcome the recipient, and offer the dana with respect. The recipient should also be given dakshina, possibly to defray the expenses / time spent in participating in the dana ritual. This protects the value of the main dana, so far as the donor is concerned. Dana for attaining prestige or fame in society is of the lowest kind,

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# '''Irreversible''' : If a sankalpa (संकल्पम्) has been made, and the intended recipient does not show up to accept the donation, the donor is required to release the item in a pond or a river. The donated item cannot revert to the donor or be reallocated to another person.

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# '''Irreversible''' : If a sankalpa (संकल्पम्) has been made, and the intended recipient does not show up to accept the donation, the donor is required to release the item in a pond or a river. The donated item cannot revert to the donor or be reallocated to another person.

== दानाङ्गानि ॥ Elements of Dana ==

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[[File:~~Dana and Other Giving Traditions in India By Sanjay Agarwal~~-1.jpg|right|~~404x404px~~]]

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[[File:Dana_and_Other_Giving_Traditions_in_India_By_Sanjay_Agarwal-1.jpg|link=http://dharmawiki.org/index.php/File:Dana_and_Other_Giving_Traditions_in_India_By_Sanjay_Agarwal-1.jpg|right|1209x1209px]]

The literature on dana is of enormous extent.

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Defining Dana, Shri. Sanjay Agarwal<ref name=":0">Agarwal, Sanjay. (2010) ''Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India.'' New Delhi: AccountAid, India</ref> says dana is a sub-set of giving. It is only the last item - 'giving - as per scriptural directions' that qualifies as proper dana. According to his findings the most comprehensive definition of Dana appears to have seven essential elements:

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Defining Dana, Shri. Sanjay Agarwal<ref name=":02">Agarwal, Sanjay. (2010) ''Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India.'' New Delhi: AccountAid, India</ref> says dana is a sub-set of giving. It is only the last item - 'giving - as per scriptural directions' that qualifies as proper dana. According to his findings the most comprehensive definition of Dana appears to have seven essential elements:

# [[Donor (दाता)]]

# [[Acceptor (प्रतिग्रहीता)]] or Patra (पात्रः)

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== दानतत्त्वम् ॥ Essence of Dana ==

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The story of King Dharmvarma is narrated in the Skand Purana. The King was curious about the essential elements of dana. He therefore performed penance for a long time. At the end, he was rewarded with a puzzling shloka:<blockquote>स तु दानस्य तत्त्वार्थी तेपे वर्षगणान्बहून्॥ ४.१६ ॥ sa tu dānasya tattvārthī tēpē varṣagaṇānbahūn॥ 4.16 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>ततस्तं प्राह खे वाणी श्लोकमेकं नृप श्रृणु॥ द्विहेतु षडधिष्ठानं षडंगं च द्विपाकयुक्॥ ४.१७ ॥ चतुःप्रकारं त्रिविधं त्रिनाशं दानमुच्यते॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.16 - 17) <ref name=":2">Skanda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7_(%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%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%A6%E0%A5%AA Khanda 1 (Mahesvara Khanda) Adhyaya 4])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tatastaṁ prāha khē vāṇī ślōkamēkaṁ nr̥pa śrr̥ṇu॥ dvihētu ṣaḍadhiṣṭhānaṁ ṣaḍaṁgaṁ ca dvipākayuk॥ 4.17 ॥ catuḥprakāraṁ trividhaṁ trināśaṁ dānamucyatē॥ </blockquote>~~Meaning~~ : ‘Dana has two hetu, six adhishthan, six ang, two paak, four prakar, three vidh and three ways of naash.

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The story of King Dharmvarma is narrated in the Skand Purana. The King was curious about the essential elements of dana. He therefore performed penance for a long time. At the end, he was rewarded with a puzzling shloka:<blockquote>स तु दानस्य तत्त्वार्थी तेपे वर्षगणान्बहून्॥ ४.१६ ॥ sa tu dānasya tattvārthī tēpē varṣagaṇānbahūn॥ 4.16 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>ततस्तं प्राह खे वाणी श्लोकमेकं नृप श्रृणु॥ द्विहेतु षडधिष्ठानं षडंगं च द्विपाकयुक्॥ ४.१७ ॥ चतुःप्रकारं त्रिविधं त्रिनाशं दानमुच्यते॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.16 - 17) <ref name=":23">Skanda Purana ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%8D/%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83_%E0%A5%A7_(%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B9%E0%A5%87%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83)/%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8C%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%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%A6%E0%A5%AA Khanda 1 (Mahesvara Khanda) Adhyaya 4])</ref></blockquote><blockquote>tatastaṁ prāha khē vāṇī ślōkamēkaṁ nr̥pa śrr̥ṇu॥ dvihētu ṣaḍadhiṣṭhānaṁ ṣaḍaṁgaṁ ca dvipākayuk॥ 4.17 ॥ catuḥprakāraṁ trividhaṁ trināśaṁ dānamucyatē॥ </blockquote>Meaning : ‘Dana has two hetu, six adhishthan, six ang, two paak, four prakar, three vidh and three ways of naash.

=== द्विहेतु ॥ Two Enhancers ===

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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=":2" /> </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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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.

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.

=== षडधिष्ठाननि ॥ Six Motives ===

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The six adhisthanas (base, pedestal, foundation) of dana are dharma, artha, kama, lajja, harsha and bhaya.<blockquote>धर्ममर्थं च कामं च व्रीडाहर्षभयानि च॥ अधिष्ठानानि दानानां षडेतानि प्रचक्षते॥ ४.५५ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.55) <ref name=":2" /></blockquote><blockquote>dharmamarthaṁ ca kāmaṁ ca vrīḍāharṣabhayāni ca॥ adhiṣṭhānāni dānānāṁ ṣaḍētāni pracakṣatē॥ 4.55 ॥ </blockquote>1. When dana is made to a suitable person, without any objective, and only out of a sense of duty, it is known as dharm dana (धर्मदानम्).

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The six adhisthanas (base, pedestal, foundation) of dana are dharma, artha, kama, lajja, harsha and bhaya.<blockquote>धर्ममर्थं च कामं च व्रीडाहर्षभयानि च॥ अधिष्ठानानि दानानां षडेतानि प्रचक्षते॥ ४.५५ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.55) <ref name=":23" /></blockquote><blockquote>dharmamarthaṁ ca kāmaṁ ca vrīḍāharṣabhayāni ca॥ adhiṣṭhānāni dānānāṁ ṣaḍētāni pracakṣatē॥ 4.55 ॥ </blockquote>1. When dana is made to a suitable person, without any objective, and only out of a sense of duty, it is known as dharm dana (धर्मदानम्).

2. When dana is made with an objective in mind, it is known as arth dana (अर्थदानम्).

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=== षडंगानि ॥ 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=":2" /></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=":1">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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<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):

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

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=== द्विपाकौ ॥Two Results ===

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<blockquote>सद्भ्यो यद्दीयते किंचित्तत्परत्रोपतिष्ठति॥ असत्सु दीयते किंचित्तद्दानमिह भुज्यते॥ ४.७१ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.71) <ref name=":2" /></blockquote><blockquote>sadbhyō yaddīyatē kiṁcittatparatrōpatiṣṭhati॥ asatsu dīyatē kiṁcittaddānamiha bhujyatē॥ 4.71 ॥ </blockquote>Dana has two kinds of rewards: those which are enjoyed in heaven, and others which are enjoyed in this world itself. Rewards of dana made to a true or noble person are enjoyed in heaven. Rewards of dana made to others are enjoyed on Earth itself.

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<blockquote>सद्भ्यो यद्दीयते किंचित्तत्परत्रोपतिष्ठति॥ असत्सु दीयते किंचित्तद्दानमिह भुज्यते॥ ४.७१ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.71) <ref name=":23" /></blockquote><blockquote>sadbhyō yaddīyatē kiṁcittatparatrōpatiṣṭhati॥ asatsu dīyatē kiṁcittaddānamiha bhujyatē॥ 4.71 ॥ </blockquote>Dana has two kinds of rewards: those which are enjoyed in heaven, and others which are enjoyed in this world itself. Rewards of dana made to a true or noble person are enjoyed in heaven. Rewards of dana made to others are enjoyed on Earth itself.

=== 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=":2" /></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 dhruv (ध्रुवम्) or eternal.

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

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

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<blockquote>त्रैविध्यमभिधीयते॥ ४.७६ ॥ traividhyamabhidhīyatē॥ 4.76 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>अष्टोत्तमानि चत्वारि मध्यमानि विधानतः॥ कानीयसानि शेषाणि त्रिविधत्वमिदं विदुः॥ ४.७७ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>aṣṭōttamāni catvāri madhyamāni vidhānataḥ॥ kānīyasāni śēṣāṇi trividhatvamidaṁ viduḥ॥ 4.77 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>गृहप्रासादविद्याभूगोकूपप्राणहाटकम्॥ एतान्युत्तमदानानि उत्तमद्रव्यदानतः॥ ४.७८ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>gr̥haprāsādavidyābhūgōkūpaprāṇahāṭakam॥ ētānyuttamadānāni uttamadravyadānataḥ॥ 4.78 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>अन्नारामं च वासांसि हयप्रभृतिवाहनम्॥ दानानि मध्यमानीति मध्यमद्रव्यदानतः॥ ४.७९ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>annārāmaṁ ca vāsāṁsi hayaprabhr̥tivāhanam॥ dānāni madhyamānīti madhyamadravyadānataḥ॥ 4.79 ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>उपानच्छत्रपात्रादिदधिमध्वासनानि च॥ ४.८० ॥ upānacchatrapātrādidadhimadhvāsanāni ca॥ 4.80 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>दीपकाष्ठोपलादीनि चरमं बहुवार्षिकम्॥ इति कानीयसान्याहुर्दाननाशत्रयं श्रृणु॥ ४.८१ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>dīpakāṣṭhōpalādīni caramaṁ bahuvārṣikam॥ iti kānīyasānyāhurdānanāśatrayaṁ śrr̥ṇu॥ 4.81 ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.76 - 81) <ref name=":2" /></blockquote>The following table summarizes the kinds of items for donation and their level of importance in giving

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<blockquote>त्रैविध्यमभिधीयते॥ ४.७६ ॥ traividhyamabhidhīyatē॥ 4.76 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>अष्टोत्तमानि चत्वारि मध्यमानि विधानतः॥ कानीयसानि शेषाणि त्रिविधत्वमिदं विदुः॥ ४.७७ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>aṣṭōttamāni catvāri madhyamāni vidhānataḥ॥ kānīyasāni śēṣāṇi trividhatvamidaṁ viduḥ॥ 4.77 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>गृहप्रासादविद्याभूगोकूपप्राणहाटकम्॥ एतान्युत्तमदानानि उत्तमद्रव्यदानतः॥ ४.७८ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>gr̥haprāsādavidyābhūgōkūpaprāṇahāṭakam॥ ētānyuttamadānāni uttamadravyadānataḥ॥ 4.78 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>अन्नारामं च वासांसि हयप्रभृतिवाहनम्॥ दानानि मध्यमानीति मध्यमद्रव्यदानतः॥ ४.७९ ॥</blockquote><blockquote>annārāmaṁ ca vāsāṁsi hayaprabhr̥tivāhanam॥ dānāni madhyamānīti madhyamadravyadānataḥ॥ 4.79 ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>उपानच्छत्रपात्रादिदधिमध्वासनानि च॥ ४.८० ॥ upānacchatrapātrādidadhimadhvāsanāni ca॥ 4.80 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>दीपकाष्ठोपलादीनि चरमं बहुवार्षिकम्॥ इति कानीयसान्याहुर्दाननाशत्रयं श्रृणु॥ ४.८१ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>dīpakāṣṭhōpalādīni caramaṁ bahuvārṣikam॥ iti kānīyasānyāhurdānanāśatrayaṁ śrr̥ṇu॥ 4.81 ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.76 - 81) <ref name=":23" /></blockquote>The following table summarizes the kinds of items for donation and their level of importance in giving

{| class="wikitable"

!Best

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=== दाननाशास्त्रयम् ॥ Three Dana Nashakas ===

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<blockquote>यद्दत्त्वा तप्यते पश्चादासुरं तद्धृथा मतम्॥ अश्रद्धया यद्ददाति राक्षसं स्याद्वृथैव तत्॥ ४.८२ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>yaddattvā tapyatē paścādāsuraṁ taddhr̥thā matam॥ aśraddhayā yaddadāti rākṣasaṁ syādvr̥thaiva tat॥ 4.82 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>यच्चाक्रुश्य ददात्यंग दत्त्वा वाक्रोशति द्विजम्॥ पैशाचं तद्वृथा दानंदाननाशास्त्रयस्त्वमी॥ ४.८३ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.82 - 83) <ref name=":2" /></blockquote><blockquote>yaccākruśya dadātyaṁga dattvā vākrōśati dvijam॥ paiśācaṁ tadvr̥thā dānaṁdānanāśāstrayastvamī॥ 4.83 ॥</blockquote>Dana is nullified by three factors: regret, unsuitability of recipient, and ashraddha (अश्रद्धा).

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<blockquote>यद्दत्त्वा तप्यते पश्चादासुरं तद्धृथा मतम्॥ अश्रद्धया यद्ददाति राक्षसं स्याद्वृथैव तत्॥ ४.८२ ॥ </blockquote><blockquote>yaddattvā tapyatē paścādāsuraṁ taddhr̥thā matam॥ aśraddhayā yaddadāti rākṣasaṁ syādvr̥thaiva tat॥ 4.82 ॥</blockquote><blockquote>यच्चाक्रुश्य ददात्यंग दत्त्वा वाक्रोशति द्विजम्॥ पैशाचं तद्वृथा दानंदाननाशास्त्रयस्त्वमी॥ ४.८३ ॥ (Skan. Pura. Mahe. Khan. 4.82 - 83) <ref name=":23" /></blockquote><blockquote>yaccākruśya dadātyaṁga dattvā vākrōśati dvijam॥ paiśācaṁ tadvr̥thā dānaṁdānanāśāstrayastvamī॥ 4.83 ॥</blockquote>Dana is nullified by three factors: regret, unsuitability of recipient, and ashraddha (अश्रद्धा).

* Further, if the donor regrets making the dana, then it is known as Asura dana (असुरदानम्).

* If the dana is given without shraddha, it is known as Rakshasa dana (राक्षसदानम्).

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== Types of Dana ==

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Dana has been classified in several overlapping ways, depending on one's perspective: <ref name=":0" />

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Dana has been classified in several overlapping ways, depending on one's perspective: <ref name=":02" />

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[[File:~~Dana Classification~~.jpg|~~613x613px~~|Source : Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India By Sanjay Agarwal (Page 22)~~|centre~~]]

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[[File:Dana_Classification.jpg|link=http://dharmawiki.org/index.php/File:Dana_Classification.jpg|centre|1635x1635px|Source : Daan and Other Giving Traditions in India By Sanjay Agarwal (Page 22)]]

A simple definition of each kind of Dana is as follows:

=== 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=":1" />

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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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* 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 paradise.<ref name=":0" />

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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 paradise.<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, ann-kshetra, 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=":0" />

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* Purta (पूर्त) : Acts which are primarily charitable in nature (construction of public utilities, ponds, schools, rest houses, gardens, ann-kshetra, 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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* '''Dana (दानम्)''' : When the giving results in transfer of property from one person to another, it is treated as dana. In some cases, the transfer might benefit more than one person. However, so long as the number of beneficiaries is fixed, the giving will be considered dana. Additionally, the donor should no longer derive any benefit from the item donated. Some types of giving are not considered dana. These include gifts to people whom one is otherwise required to support. Similarly, mutual exchange of gifts is treated as a cultural practice, but does not qualify as dana.<ref name=":0" /> This article covers many aspects of Dana.

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* '''Dana (दानम्)''' : When the giving results in transfer of property from one person to another, it is treated as dana. In some cases, the transfer might benefit more than one person. However, so long as the number of beneficiaries is fixed, the giving will be considered dana. Additionally, the donor should no longer derive any benefit from the item donated. Some types of giving are not considered dana. These include gifts to people whom one is otherwise required to support. Similarly, mutual exchange of gifts is treated as a cultural practice, but does not qualify as dana.<ref name=":02" /> This article covers many aspects of Dana.

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* '''Utsarga (उत्सर्गः)''' : If the item or property is dedicated or released for general public use, the giving is treated as utsarga. The property is then owned commonly, and is similar to the concept of common grazing land. In this case, there is no bar on the donor also using the property as a member of the public, without any special privileges.<ref name=":0" /> Utsarg includes planting of trees, digging of ponds and wells, setting up of rest houses, schools, etc.

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* '''Utsarga (उत्सर्गः)''' : If the item or property is dedicated or released for general public use, the giving is treated as utsarga. The property is then owned commonly, and is similar to the concept of common grazing land. In this case, there is no bar on the donor also using the property as a member of the public, without any special privileges.<ref name=":02" /> Utsarg includes planting of trees, digging of ponds and wells, setting up of rest houses, schools, etc.

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

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According to Shrimad Bhagvad Gita, all dana can be classified into three categories: sattvik (associated with purity and spirituality), rajasik (associated with materialism and worldly affairs) and tamasik (associated with lack of intellect and leads to darkness). Shraddha 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=":2" /></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: sattvik (associated with purity and spirituality), rajasik (associated with materialism and worldly affairs) and tamasik (associated with lack of intellect and leads to darkness). Shraddha 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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* '''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 tyag, 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=":0" /> The Bhagavad Geeta expounds the satvika dana as follows:<blockquote>दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे । देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्विकं स्मृतम् ॥ (भ.गी.१७.२०)<ref name=":3">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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* '''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 tyag, 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 Geeta 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=":0" /> According to the Bhagavad Geeta,<blockquote>यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः । दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥ (भ.गी.१७.२१)<ref name=":3" /></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 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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* '''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 Geeta says,<blockquote>अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते । असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥ (भ.गी.१७.२२)<ref name=":3" /></blockquote><blockquote>adeśakāle yaddānamapātrebhyaśca dīyate । asatkṛtamavajñātaṃ tattāmasamudāhṛtam ॥ (Bhag. Gita.17.22)</blockquote>

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* '''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 Geeta 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=":0" />:<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>

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

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

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* '''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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* '''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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* '''Kanishtha (कनिष्ठः)''' : Dana given to achieve one’s own selfish ends is known as the least valued of all.

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* '''Kanishtha (कनिष्ठः)''' : Dana given to achieve one’s own selfish ends is known as the least valued of all.

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

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>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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* '''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.

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* '''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.

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* '''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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* '''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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* '''Kamya (काम्यम्)''' : When a person desirous of children, victory, wealth, heaven etc, makes a dana, it is known as kamya.

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* '''Kamya (काम्यम्)''' : When a person desirous of children, victory, wealth, heaven etc, makes a dana, it is known as kamya.

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* '''Vimala (विमलम्)''' : When dana is made out of a sense of duty, to Brahmins learned in the Veda, in order to please the divine, it is known as vimal or nirmal dana.

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* '''Vimala (विमलम्)''' : When dana is made out of a sense of duty, to Brahmins learned in the Veda, in order to please the divine, it is known as vimal or nirmal dana.

== दानपद्धतिः ॥ Procedure of Dana ==

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While there are many procedures to be followed for making a dana on different occasions the general procedure is outlined as follows: (see footnote 2016 on Page 855 of Reference <ref name=":1" /> and Page 506 of Reference <ref name=":22">Pt. Bharatachandra Siromani (1873) ''[https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.424417/2015.424417.chaturvarga-chintamani#page/n535/mode/2up Chaturvarga Chintamani by Hemadri, Vol 1, Dana kanda.]'' Calcutta: The Asiatic Society of Bengal</ref>)

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While there are many procedures to be followed for making a dana on different occasions the general procedure is outlined as follows: (see footnote 2016 on Page 855 of Reference <ref name=":12" /> and Page 506 of Reference <ref name=":222">Pt. Bharatachandra Siromani (1873) ''[https://archive.org/stream/in.ernet.dli.2015.424417/2015.424417.chaturvarga-chintamani#page/n535/mode/2up Chaturvarga Chintamani by Hemadri, Vol 1, Dana kanda.]'' Calcutta: The Asiatic Society of Bengal</ref>)

* The donor and acceptor should have taken their bath and wear two white garments (dhoti and angavastra).

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The enormous amount of literature on dana and the accompanying science, wisdom, forms, and stories come with an important caveat: most of this is not known even among practicing Hindus. Most are not able to distinguish between dana, dakshina, bhiksha, and bheekh. Few, if any are aware of the different forms of dana, and their purpose. As a result, the practice of daan has all but disappeared. This is partly due to a disconnect with literary heritage.

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'''Dana''' : Involves giving of mainly material items with proper respect, following rituals without an expectation of any return.

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'''Dana''' : Involves giving of mainly material items with proper respect, following rituals without an expectation of any return.

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'''Dakshina''' : Often confused with Dana, Dakshina is a type of honorarium for services. Dakshina helps pay for the effort expended in performing the daan ceremony, and any incidental expenses. The amount given is not an agreed amount and is usually a random amount paid by the donor as covering fees for the dana. It does not qualify as a dana. Any donation is accompanied by dakshina.

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'''Dakshina''' : Often confused with Dana, Dakshina is a type of honorarium for services. Dakshina helps pay for the effort expended in performing the daan ceremony, and any incidental expenses. The amount given is not an agreed amount and is usually a random amount paid by the donor as covering fees for the dana. It does not qualify as a dana. Any donation is accompanied by dakshina.

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'''Bhiksha''' : It is the provision of food and other basic necessities mainly to ascetics and brahmacharis living in ashrams.

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'''Bhiksha''' : It is the provision of food and other basic necessities mainly to ascetics and brahmacharis living in ashrams.

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'''Bheek''' : It is the giving of alms to beggars, without recitation of any mantra nor is the receiver is classified as a pratigrihita.<ref name=":0" />

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'''Bheek''' : It is the giving of alms to beggars, without recitation of any mantra nor is the receiver is classified as a pratigrihita.<ref name=":02" />

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According to shastras, there is a distinction between yaga, homa and dana.<ref name=":1" />

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According to shastras, there is a distinction between yaga, homa and dana.<ref name=":12" />

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'''Yaga''' : A yaga is constituted by abandoning something that belongs to one, intending it for a deity and accompanying it with vedic mantras.

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'''Yaga''' : A yaga is constituted by abandoning something that belongs to one, intending it for a deity and accompanying it with vedic mantras.

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'''Homa''' : Homa is offering into fire something that belongs to oneself over which one abandons one's ownership with an intention to make an offering to the deities.

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'''Homa''' : Homa is offering into fire something that belongs to oneself over which one abandons one's ownership with an intention to make an offering to the deities.

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'''Dana''' : Dana is willful cessation of one's ownership over a thing and creating the ownership of another over that thing. Dana occurs when the other person accepts the thing, which may be mental or vocal or physical.

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'''Dana''' : Dana is willful cessation of one's ownership over a thing and creating the ownership of another over that thing. Dana occurs when the other person accepts the thing, which may be mental or vocal or physical.

== निष्फलदानम् ॥ Fruitless Dana ==

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=== द्रव्यम् ॥ Dravya ===

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Nine types of property should not be given in dana <ref name=":2" /> 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>

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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.

# Yachita (याचितम्) - that which has been borrowed from someone.

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=== प्रतिग्रहीता ॥ Receiver ===

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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=":0" />Some of these are: 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 donees that does not qualify as dana. <ref name=":02" />Some of these are: 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>

== Who is eligible to Receive<ref>Daan-Dharm Parv. 13.1.37.8-15 (Ved Vyas, 2001, p. 5596).</ref> ==

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Bheeshma also goes on to explain that a Brahmin with certain characteristics should not be given daan: one who criticises the Vedas, relies unduly on logic, does not propagate approved doctrines, is loud and noisy, abuses Brahmins, is suspicious of everyone, behaves like children or fools, and is bitter in dialogue.

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==References==

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== References ==

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[[Category:Vedic Concepts]]

[[Category:Hindu philosophical concepts]]

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