The Explanation of the Verse on Giving

Verse 1 (skanda.1.39.1)

॥ नारद उवाच॥ ततस्त्वहं चिंतयामि कथं स्थानमिदं भवेत्॥ ममायत्तं यतो राज्ञां भूमिरेषा सदा वशे

nārada uvāca tatastvahaṁ ciṁtayāmi kathaṁ sthānamidaṁ bhavet mamāyattaṁ yato rājñāṁ bhūmireṣā sadā vaśe

Narada said: "Then I pondered how this place might become mine, since this land always lies under the control of kings.

Verse 2 (skanda.1.39.2)

यत्त्वहं धर्मवर्णाणं गत्वा याचे ह मेदिनीम्॥ अर्पयत्येव स च मे याचितो न पुनः परः

yattvahaṁ dharmavarṇāṇaṁ gatvā yāce ha medinīm arpayatyeva sa ca me yācito na punaḥ paraḥ

"If I go and beg this earth of some righteous king, he, once asked, will surely grant it to me — there would be no need to ask any other.

Verse 3 (skanda.1.39.3)

तथा हि मुनिभिः प्रोक्तं द्रव्यं त्रिविधमुत्तमम्॥ शुक्लं मध्यं च शबलमधमं गृष्णमुच्यते

tathā hi munibhiḥ proktaṁ dravyaṁ trividhamuttamam śuklaṁ madhyaṁ ca śabalamadhamaṁ gṛṣṇamucyate

"For thus the sages have declared: wealth is of three principal kinds — pure, mixed, and the lowest, which is called impure.

Verse 4 (skanda.1.39.4)

श्रुतेः संपादनाच्छिष्यात्प्राप्तं शुक्लं च क्न्ययया॥ तथा कुसीदवाणिज्यकृषियाचितमेव च

śruteḥ saṁpādanācchiṣyātprāptaṁ śuklaṁ ca knyayayā tathā kusīdavāṇijyakṛṣiyācitameva ca

"That obtained through mastering scripture, from a disciple, or through inheritance is called pure; and so too what is gained by lending, trade, farming, or begging.

Verse 5 (skanda.1.39.5)

शबलं प्रोच्यते सद्भिर्द्यूतचौर्येण साहसैः॥ व्याजेनोपार्जितं यच्च तत्कृष्णं समुदाहृतम्

śabalaṁ procyate sadbhirdyūtacauryeṇa sāhasaiḥ vyājenopārjitaṁ yacca tatkṛṣṇaṁ samudāhṛtam

"This the good call mixed; and what is earned through gambling, theft, violence, or deceit is declared to be impure.

Verse 6 (skanda.1.39.6)

शुक्लवित्तेन यो धर्मं प्रकुर्याच्छ्रद्धयान्वितः॥ तीर्थं पात्रं समासाद्य देवत्वे तत्समश्नुते

śuklavittena yo dharmaṁ prakuryācchraddhayānvitaḥ tīrthaṁ pātraṁ samāsādya devatve tatsamaśnute

"He who performs dharma with pure wealth, filled with faith, having found a worthy tirtha and a worthy recipient, attains a fruit equal to divinity.

Verse 7 (skanda.1.39.7)

राजसेन च भावेन वित्तेन शबलेन च॥ प्रदद्याद्दानमर्थिभ्यो मानुष्यत्वे तदश्नुते

rājasena ca bhāvena vittena śabalena ca pradadyāddānamarthibhyo mānuṣyatve tadaśnute

"He who, with a passionate disposition and mixed wealth, gives to petitioners, attains thereby the state of humanity.

Verse 8 (skanda.1.39.8)

तमोवृतस्तु यो दद्यात्कृष्णवित्तेन मानवः॥ तिर्यक्त्वे तत्फलं प्रेत्य समश्राति नराधमः

tamovṛtastu yo dadyātkṛṣṇavittena mānavaḥ tiryaktve tatphalaṁ pretya samaśrāti narādhamaḥ

"But he who, veiled in darkness, gives from impure wealth — that basest of men obtains, after death, the fruit of birth among beasts.

Verse 9 (skanda.1.39.9)

तत्तु याचितद्रव्यं मे राजसं हि स्फुटं भवेत्॥ अथ ब्राह्मणभावेन नृपं याचे प्रतिग्रहम्

tattu yācitadravyaṁ me rājasaṁ hi sphuṭaṁ bhavet atha brāhmaṇabhāvena nṛpaṁ yāce pratigraham

"Whatever wealth I might gain by begging would clearly be of that passionate kind; or if instead I sought a grant from the king in the manner proper to a Brahmin's acceptance...

Verse 10 (skanda.1.39.10)

तदप्यहो चातिकष्ट हेतुना तेन मे मतम्॥ अयं प्रतिग्रहो घोरो मध्वास्वादो विषोपमः

tadapyaho cātikaṣṭa hetunā tena me matam ayaṁ pratigraho ghoro madhvāsvādo viṣopamaḥ

"...that too, alas, is deeply troubling — for this very reason it seems to me that such acceptance is terrible, sweet as honey to the taste, yet like poison beneath.

Verse 11 (skanda.1.39.11)

प्रतीग्रहेण संयुक्तं ह्यमीवमाविशोद्द्विजम्॥ तस्मादहं निवृत्तश्च पापादस्मात्प्रतिग्रहात्

pratīgraheṇa saṁyuktaṁ hyamīvamāviśoddvijam tasmādahaṁ nivṛttaśca pāpādasmātpratigrahāt

"With acceptance itself, affliction enters into the Brahmin; therefore I have turned away from this sinful act of receiving.

Verse 12 (skanda.1.39.12)

ततः केनाप्युपायेन द्वयोरन्यतरेण तु॥ स्वायत्तं स्थानक कुर्म एतत्सञ्चिंतये मुहुः

tataḥ kenāpyupāyena dvayoranyatareṇa tu svāyattaṁ sthānaka kurma etatsañciṁtaye muhuḥ

"Then, by some means or other, by one of these two ways, let me make this place my own — thus I pondered again and again,

Verse 13 (skanda.1.39.13)

यथा कुभार्यः पुरुषश्चिन्तांतं न प्रपद्यते॥ तथैव विमृशंश्चाहं चिंतांतं न लभाम्यणु

yathā kubhāryaḥ puruṣaścintāṁtaṁ na prapadyate tathaiva vimṛśaṁścāhaṁ ciṁtāṁtaṁ na labhāmyaṇu

"as a man with a bad wife never reaches the end of his troubles — just so, turning it over in my mind, I could not find the end of my own thought, not even a little.

Verse 14 (skanda.1.39.14)

एतस्मिन्नन्तरे पार्थ स्नातुं तत्र समागताः॥ बहवो मुनयः पुण्ये महीसागरसंगमे

etasminnantare pārtha snātuṁ tatra samāgatāḥ bahavo munayaḥ puṇye mahīsāgarasaṁgame

"Meanwhile, O Partha, many sages had gathered there to bathe at that sacred confluence of the Mahi and the ocean.

Verse 15 (skanda.1.39.15)

अहं तानब्रवं सर्वान्कुतो यूयं समागताः॥ ते मामूचुः प्रणम्याथ सौराष्ट्रविषये मुने

ahaṁ tānabravaṁ sarvānkuto yūyaṁ samāgatāḥ te māmūcuḥ praṇamyātha saurāṣṭraviṣaye mune

"I asked them all: 'From where have you come?' Bowing, they said to me: 'In the land of Saurashtra, O sage,

Verse 16 (skanda.1.39.16)

धर्मवर्मेति नृपतिर्योऽस्य देशस्य भूपतिः॥ स तु दानस्य तत्त्वार्थी तेपे वर्षगणान्बहून्

dharmavarmeti nṛpatiryo'sya deśasya bhūpatiḥ sa tu dānasya tattvārthī tepe varṣagaṇānbahūn

"'there is a king named Dharmavarma, lord of that land; seeking the true essence of giving, he performed austerities for many long years.'

Verse 17 (skanda.1.39.17)

ततस्तं प्राह खे वाणी श्लोकमेकं नृप श्रृणु॥ द्विहेतु षडधिष्ठानं षडंगं च द्विपाकयुक्

tatastaṁ prāha khe vāṇī ślokamekaṁ nṛpa śrṛṇu dvihetu ṣaḍadhiṣṭhānaṁ ṣaḍaṁgaṁ ca dvipākayuk

"'Then a voice from the sky spoke to him: "Listen, O king, to a single verse: giving is spoken of as having two causes, six bases, six limbs, two ripenings,'

Verse 18 (skanda.1.39.18)

चतुःप्रकारं त्रिविधं त्रिनाशं दानमुच्यते॥ इत्येकं श्लोकमाभाष्य खे वाणी विरराम ह

catuḥprakāraṁ trividhaṁ trināśaṁ dānamucyate ityekaṁ ślokamābhāṣya khe vāṇī virarāma ha

"'four kinds, three modes, and three ruins." Having spoken this single verse, the voice from the sky fell silent.'

Verse 19 (skanda.1.39.19)

श्लोकस्यार्थं नावभाषे पृच्छमानापि नारद॥ ततो राजा धर्मवर्मा पटहेनान्वघोषयत्

ślokasyārthaṁ nāvabhāṣe pṛcchamānāpi nārada tato rājā dharmavarmā paṭahenānvaghoṣayat

"'It never spoke the meaning of the verse, though pressed, O Narada.' Then King Dharmavarma had it proclaimed by drumbeat throughout the realm —

Verse 20 (skanda.1.39.20)

यस्तु श्लोकस्य चैवास्य लब्धस्य तपसा मया॥ करोति सम्यगव्याख्यानं तस्य चैतद्ददाम्यहम्

yastu ślokasya caivāsya labdhasya tapasā mayā karoti samyagavyākhyānaṁ tasya caitaddadāmyaham

"'"Whoever gives a proper explanation of this verse, won by me through austerity, to him I shall give this —'

Verse 21 (skanda.1.39.21)

गवां च सप्त नियुतं सुवर्णं तावदेव तु॥ सप्तग्रामान्प्रयच्छामि श्लोकव्याख्यां करोति यः

gavāṁ ca sapta niyutaṁ suvarṇaṁ tāvadeva tu saptagrāmānprayacchāmi ślokavyākhyāṁ karoti yaḥ

"'seven hundred thousand cows, an equal measure of gold, and seven villages, to whoever explains this verse."'

Verse 22 (skanda.1.39.22)

पटहेनेति नृपतेः श्रुत्वा राज्ञो वचो महत्॥ आजग्मुर्बहुदेशीया ब्राह्मणाः कोटिशो मुने

paṭaheneti nṛpateḥ śrutvā rājño vaco mahat ājagmurbahudeśīyā brāhmaṇāḥ koṭiśo mune

"'Hearing this great proclamation of the king announced by drum, O sage, Brahmins from many lands came, in their millions.'

Verse 23 (skanda.1.39.23)

पुनर्दुर्बोधविन्यासः श्लोकस्तैर्विप्रपुंगवैः॥ आख्यातुं शक्यते नैव गुडो मूकैर्यथा मुने

punardurbodhavinyāsaḥ ślokastairviprapuṁgavaiḥ ākhyātuṁ śakyate naiva guḍo mūkairyathā mune

"'But that verse, so difficult and obscure in its construction, not even those finest Brahmins could explain — as a mute man cannot tell of sweetness, O sage.'

Verse 24 (skanda.1.39.24)

वयं च तत्र याताः स्मो धनलोभेन नारद॥ दुर्बोधत्वान्नमस्कृत्य श्लोकं चात्र समागताः

vayaṁ ca tatra yātāḥ smo dhanalobhena nārada durbodhatvānnamaskṛtya ślokaṁ cātra samāgatāḥ

"'We too went there out of greed for wealth, O Narada; but finding it too obscure, we bowed to the verse and came away here.'

Verse 25 (skanda.1.39.25)

दुर्व्याख्येयस्त्वयं श्लोको धनं लभ्यं न चैव नः॥ तीर्थयात्रां कथं यामीत्येवाचिंत्यात्र चागताः

durvyākhyeyastvayaṁ śloko dhanaṁ labhyaṁ na caiva naḥ tīrthayātrāṁ kathaṁ yāmītyevāciṁtyātra cāgatāḥ

"'This verse cannot be explained, and wealth is beyond our reach; how then shall we go on pilgrimage?" — thinking so, we came here.'

Verse 26 (skanda.1.39.26)

एवं फाल्गुन तेषां तु वचः श्रुत्वा महात्मनाम्॥ अतीव संप्रहृष्टोऽहं तान्विसृज्येत्यचिंतयम्

evaṁ phālguna teṣāṁ tu vacaḥ śrutvā mahātmanām atīva saṁprahṛṣṭo'haṁ tānvisṛjyetyaciṁtayam

"Thus, O Phalguna, having heard the words of those great souls, I was exceedingly delighted; sending them on their way, I reflected —

Verse 27 (skanda.1.39.27)

अहो प्राप्त उपायो मे स्थानप्राप्तौ न संशयः॥ श्लोकं व्याख्याय नृपतेर्लप्स्ये स्थानं धनं तथा

aho prāpta upāyo me sthānaprāptau na saṁśayaḥ ślokaṁ vyākhyāya nṛpaterlapsye sthānaṁ dhanaṁ tathā

"'Ah, a way has come to me — there is no doubt now of gaining that place! By explaining the king's verse, I shall win both the land and the wealth,'

Verse 28 (skanda.1.39.28)

विद्यामूल्येन नैवं च याचितः स्यात्प्रतिग्रहः॥ सत्यमाह पुराणार्षिर्वासुदेवो जगद्गुरुः

vidyāmūlyena naivaṁ ca yācitaḥ syātpratigrahaḥ satyamāha purāṇārṣirvāsudevo jagadguruḥ

"'and by the price of knowledge alone, this need not even resemble a beggar's acceptance. Truly did the ancient sage Vasudeva, teacher of the world, once say —'

Verse 29 (skanda.1.39.29)

धर्मस्य यस्य श्रद्धा स्यान्न च सा नैव पूर्यते॥ पापस्य यस्य श्रद्धास्यान्न च सापि न पूर्यते

dharmasya yasya śraddhā syānna ca sā naiva pūryate pāpasya yasya śraddhāsyānna ca sāpi na pūryate

"'"Whoever has faith in dharma, that faith is never left unfulfilled; and whoever has faith in sin, even that too is never left unfulfilled."'

Verse 30 (skanda.1.39.30)

एवं विचिंत्य विद्वांसः प्रकुर्वंति यथारुचि॥ सत्यमेतद्विभोर्वाक्यं दुर्लभोऽपि यथा हि मे

evaṁ viciṁtya vidvāṁsaḥ prakurvaṁti yathāruci satyametadvibhorvākyaṁ durlabho'pi yathā hi me

"'Knowing this, the wise act as they see fit.' True indeed is that word of the Lord — for what once seemed rare even to me,

Verse 31 (skanda.1.39.31)

मनोरथोऽयं सफलः संभूतोंकुरितः स्फुटम्॥ एनं च दुर्विदं श्लोकमहं जानामि सुस्फुटम्

manoratho'yaṁ saphalaḥ saṁbhūtoṁkuritaḥ sphuṭam enaṁ ca durvidaṁ ślokamahaṁ jānāmi susphuṭam

"this very desire has now clearly borne fruit and sprouted forth. And this difficult verse — I know it well and clearly,

Verse 32 (skanda.1.39.32)

अमूर्तैः पितृभिः पूर्वमेव ख्यातो हि मे पुरा॥ एवं हर्षान्वितः पार्थ संचिंत्याऽहं ततो मुहुः

amūrtaiḥ pitṛbhiḥ pūrvameva khyāto hi me purā evaṁ harṣānvitaḥ pārtha saṁciṁtyā'haṁ tato muhuḥ

"for it was told to me long ago by the unembodied ancestors themselves." Thus, O Partha, filled with joy, reflecting again and again,

Verse 33 (skanda.1.39.33)

प्रणम्य तीर्थं चलितो महीसागरसंगमम्॥ वृद्धब्राह्मणरूपेण ततोहं यातवान्नृपम्

praṇamya tīrthaṁ calito mahīsāgarasaṁgamam vṛddhabrāhmaṇarūpeṇa tatohaṁ yātavānnṛpam

bowing to the tirtha, I set out from the confluence of Mahi and the ocean; then, in the guise of an aged Brahmin, I went to the king.

Verse 34 (skanda.1.39.34)

इदं भणितवानस्मि श्लोकव्याख्यां नृप श्रृणु॥ यत्ते पटहविख्यातं दानं च प्रगुणीकुरु

idaṁ bhaṇitavānasmi ślokavyākhyāṁ nṛpa śrṛṇu yatte paṭahavikhyātaṁ dānaṁ ca praguṇīkuru

"I said to him: 'Listen, O king — I shall give the explanation of the verse; the gift you have proclaimed by drum, have it made ready.'"

Verse 35 (skanda.1.39.35)

एवमुक्ते नृपः प्राह प्रोचुरेवं हि कोटिशः॥ द्विजोत्तमाः पुनर्नस्यं प्रोक्तुमर्थो हि शक्यते

evamukte nṛpaḥ prāha procurevaṁ hi koṭiśaḥ dvijottamāḥ punarnasyaṁ proktumartho hi śakyate

"Thus addressed, the king said, as millions had said before him: 'O best of Brahmins, tell us the meaning then —

Verse 36 (skanda.1.39.36)

के द्विहेतू षडाख्यातान्यधिष्ठानानि कानि च॥ कानि चैव षडंगानि कौ द्वौ पाकौ तथा स्मृतौ

ke dvihetū ṣaḍākhyātānyadhiṣṭhānāni kāni ca kāni caiva ṣaḍaṁgāni kau dvau pākau tathā smṛtau

"'what are these two causes it names? What are the bases? What indeed are the six limbs? And what two are remembered as its ripenings?'

Verse 37 (skanda.1.39.37)

के च प्रकाराश्चत्वारः किंस्वित्तत्त्रिविधं द्विज॥ पयो नाशाश्च के प्रोक्ता दानस्यैतत्स्फुटं वद

ke ca prakārāścatvāraḥ kiṁsvittattrividhaṁ dvija payo nāśāśca ke proktā dānasyaitatsphuṭaṁ vada

"'And what are the four kinds, O Brahmin? What is that threefold thing? And what are the ruins declared for giving — tell us this clearly.'

Verse 38 (skanda.1.39.38)

स्फुटान्प्रश्नानिमान्सप्त यदि वक्ष्यसि ब्राह्मण॥ ततो गवां सप्तनियुतं सुवर्णं तावदेव तु

sphuṭānpraśnānimānsapta yadi vakṣyasi brāhmaṇa tato gavāṁ saptaniyutaṁ suvarṇaṁ tāvadeva tu

"'If you can answer these seven clear questions, O Brahmin, then I shall give you seven hundred thousand cows, and an equal measure of gold,'

Verse 39 (skanda.1.39.39)

सप्त ग्रामांश्च दास्यामि नो चेद्यास्यसि स्वं गृहम्॥ इत्युक्त्वा वचनं पार्थ सौराष्ट्रस्वामिनं नृपम्

sapta grāmāṁśca dāsyāmi no cedyāsyasi svaṁ gṛham ityuktvā vacanaṁ pārtha saurāṣṭrasvāminaṁ nṛpam

"'and seven villages besides; if not, you must return home.' Having spoken thus, O Partha, to the lord of Saurashtra,

Verse 40 (skanda.1.39.40)

धर्मवर्माणमस्त्वेवं प्रावोचमवधारय॥ श्लोकव्याख्यां स्फुटां वक्ष्ये दानहेतू च तौ श्रृणु

dharmavarmāṇamastvevaṁ prāvocamavadhāraya ślokavyākhyāṁ sphuṭāṁ vakṣye dānahetū ca tau śrṛṇu

I said to King Dharmavarma: "Let it be so, then — listen carefully. I shall give you the clear explanation of the verse; first hear the two causes of giving —

Verse 41 (skanda.1.39.41)

अल्पत्वं वा बहुत्वं वा दानस्याभ्युदयावहम्॥ श्रद्धा शक्तिश्च दानानां वृद्ध्यक्षयकरेहि ते

alpatvaṁ vā bahutvaṁ vā dānasyābhyudayāvaham śraddhā śaktiśca dānānāṁ vṛddhyakṣayakarehi te

"'Whether a gift is small or great, faith and capacity are what bring about its flourishing — these alone cause its growth or its loss.'

Verse 42 (skanda.1.39.42)

तत्र श्रद्धाविषये श्लोका भवन्ति॥ कायक्लेशैश्च बहुभिर्न चैवारथस्य राशिभिः

tatra śraddhāviṣaye ślokā bhavanti kāyakleśaiśca bahubhirna caivārathasya rāśibhiḥ

"'On the matter of faith, there are these verses: not through many bodily hardships, nor through heaps of wealth,'

Verse 43 (skanda.1.39.43)

धर्मः संप्राप्यते सूक्ष्मः श्रद्धा धर्मोऽद्भुतं तपः॥ श्रद्धा स्वर्गश्च मोक्षश्च श्रद्धा सर्वमिदं जगत्

dharmaḥ saṁprāpyate sūkṣmaḥ śraddhā dharmo'dbhutaṁ tapaḥ śraddhā svargaśca mokṣaśca śraddhā sarvamidaṁ jagat

"'is subtle dharma ever attained; faith is dharma itself, faith is wondrous austerity. Faith is heaven, faith is liberation; faith alone is this entire world.'

Verse 44 (skanda.1.39.44)

सर्वस्वं जीवितं चापि दद्यादश्रद्धया यदि॥ नाप्नुयात्स फलं किंचिच्छ्रद्दधानस्ततो भवेत्

sarvasvaṁ jīvitaṁ cāpi dadyādaśraddhayā yadi nāpnuyātsa phalaṁ kiṁcicchraddadhānastato bhavet

"'Even if one gives away all one's wealth, even one's own life, without faith, no fruit at all is gained; but he who gives with faith...'

Verse 45 (skanda.1.39.45)

श्रद्धया साध्यते धर्मो महद्भिर्नार्थराशिभिः॥ अकिंचना हि मुनयः श्रद्धावंतो दिवं गताः

śraddhayā sādhyate dharmo mahadbhirnārtharāśibhiḥ akiṁcanā hi munayaḥ śraddhāvaṁto divaṁ gatāḥ

"'...through faith alone is dharma accomplished, and not through great heaps of wealth; possessionless sages, but full of faith, have gone straight to heaven.'

Verse 46 (skanda.1.39.46)

त्रिविधा भवति श्रद्धा देहिनां सा स्वभावजा॥ सात्त्विकी राजसी चैव तामसी चेति तां श्रृणु

trividhā bhavati śraddhā dehināṁ sā svabhāvajā sāttvikī rājasī caiva tāmasī ceti tāṁ śrṛṇu

"'Faith is threefold, arising naturally within embodied beings — sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic — hear of this.'

Verse 47 (skanda.1.39.47)

यजंते सात्त्विका देवान्यक्षरक्षांसि राजसाः॥ प्रेतान्भूतपिशाचांश्च यजंते तामसा जनाः

yajaṁte sāttvikā devānyakṣarakṣāṁsi rājasāḥ pretānbhūtapiśācāṁśca yajaṁte tāmasā janāḥ

"'The sattvic worship the gods, the rajasic worship yakshas and rakshasas, and the tamasic worship ghosts, spirits, and demons.'

Verse 48 (skanda.1.39.48)

तस्माच्छ्रद्धावता पात्रे दत्तं न्यायार्जितं हि यत्॥ तेनैव भगवान्रुद्रः स्वल्पकेनापि तुष्यति

tasmācchraddhāvatā pātre dattaṁ nyāyārjitaṁ hi yat tenaiva bhagavānrudraḥ svalpakenāpi tuṣyati

"'Therefore, when a person of faith gives rightfully earned wealth to a worthy recipient — with even the smallest such gift, Bhagavan Rudra himself is satisfied.'

Verse 49 (skanda.1.39.49)

शक्तिविषये च श्लोका भवंति॥ कुटुंबभुक्तवसनाद्देयं यदतिरिच्यते॥ मध्वास्वादो विषं पश्चाद्दातुर्धर्मोऽन्यथा भवेत्

śaktiviṣaye ca ślokā bhavaṁti kuṭuṁbabhuktavasanāddeyaṁ yadatiricyate madhvāsvādo viṣaṁ paścāddāturdharmo'nyathā bhavet

"'On the matter of capacity, there are these verses: what remains after the food and clothing of one's household is what should be given —'

Verse 50 (skanda.1.39.50)

शक्ते परजने दाता स्वजने दुःखजीविनि॥ मध्वापानविषादः स धर्माणां प्रतिरूपकः

śakte parajane dātā svajane duḥkhajīvini madhvāpānaviṣādaḥ sa dharmāṇāṁ pratirūpakaḥ

"'One who, though capable, gives to strangers while leaving his own kin to live in sorrow — his giving is sweet as honey to drink, yet turns to poison at the end, a mere mockery of dharma.'

Verse 51 (skanda.1.39.51)

भृत्यानामुपरोधेन यत्करोत्यौर्ध्वदैहिकम्॥ तद्भवत्यसुखोदकं जीवतोऽस्य मृतस्य च

bhṛtyānāmuparodhena yatkarotyaurdhvadaihikam tadbhavatyasukhodakaṁ jīvato'sya mṛtasya ca

"'That funerary rite performed at the cost of afflicting one's own servants brings only sorrow, both for the giver still living and for the one who has died.'

Verse 52 (skanda.1.39.52)

सामान्यं याचितं न्यासमाधिर्दाराश्च दर्शनम्॥ अन्वाहितं च निक्षेपः सर्वस्वं चान्वये सति

sāmānyaṁ yācitaṁ nyāsamādhirdārāśca darśanam anvāhitaṁ ca nikṣepaḥ sarvasvaṁ cānvaye sati

"'A borrowed general deposit, a pledge, a wife's own property, something entrusted for safekeeping, property held in trust, and all wealth needed to preserve the family line —'

Verse 53 (skanda.1.39.53)

आपत्स्वपि न देयानि नववस्तूनि पंडितैः॥ यो ददाति स मूढात्मा प्रायाश्चित्तीयते नरः

āpatsvapi na deyāni navavastūni paṁḍitaiḥ yo dadāti sa mūḍhātmā prāyāścittīyate naraḥ

"'these nine kinds of property should never be given away by the wise, even in dire need; whoever gives them is a fool of confused mind, and such a man must undergo expiation.'

Verse 54 (skanda.1.39.54)

इति ते गदितौ राजन्द्वौ हेतू श्रूयतामतः॥ अधिष्ठानानि वक्ष्यामि षडेव श्रृणु तान्यपि

iti te gaditau rājandvau hetū śrūyatāmataḥ adhiṣṭhānāni vakṣyāmi ṣaḍeva śrṛṇu tānyapi

"'Thus, O king, the two causes have been told; now listen further — I shall speak the six bases, hear these too.'

Verse 55 (skanda.1.39.55)

धर्ममर्थं च कामं च व्रीडाहर्षभयानि च॥ अधिष्ठानानि दानानां षडेतानि प्रचक्षते

dharmamarthaṁ ca kāmaṁ ca vrīḍāharṣabhayāni ca adhiṣṭhānāni dānānāṁ ṣaḍetāni pracakṣate

"'Dharma, wealth, desire, shame, joy, and fear — these six are declared to be the bases of giving.'

Verse 56 (skanda.1.39.56)

पात्रेभ्यो दीयते नित्यमनपेक्ष्य प्रयोजनम्॥ केवलं धर्मबुद्ध्या यद्धर्मदानं तदुच्यते

pātrebhyo dīyate nityamanapekṣya prayojanam kevalaṁ dharmabuddhyā yaddharmadānaṁ taducyate

"'What is given constantly to worthy recipients, without regard for personal gain, from dharma-mindedness alone — that is called giving from dharma.'

Verse 57 (skanda.1.39.57)

धनिनं धनलोभेन लोभयित्वार्थमाहरेत्॥ तदर्थदानमित्याहुः कामदानमतः श्रृणु

dhaninaṁ dhanalobhena lobhayitvārthamāharet tadarthadānamityāhuḥ kāmadānamataḥ śrṛṇu

"'To tempt a wealthy man with greed for more wealth and thereby draw money from him — this they call giving for wealth's sake; now hear of giving from desire —'

Verse 58 (skanda.1.39.58)

प्रयोजनमपेक्ष्यैव प्रसंगाद्यत्प्रदीयते॥ अनर्हेषु सरागेण कामदानं तदुच्यते

prayojanamapekṣyaiva prasaṁgādyatpradīyate anarheṣu sarāgeṇa kāmadānaṁ taducyate

"'what is given only with an eye to some benefit, on some pretext, to the unworthy, out of passionate attachment — that is called giving from desire.'

Verse 59 (skanda.1.39.59)

संसदि व्रीडयाऽऽश्रुत्य आर्थिभ्यः प्रददाति च॥ प्रतिदीयते च यद्दानं व्रीडादानमिति श्रुतम्

saṁsadi vrīḍayā''śrutya ārthibhyaḥ pradadāti ca pratidīyate ca yaddānaṁ vrīḍādānamiti śrutam

"'What is given to petitioners, out of shame, upon hearing a request made in an assembly — that is called giving from shame.'

Verse 60 (skanda.1.39.60)

दृष्ट्वा प्रियाणि श्रुत्वा वा हर्षवद्यत्प्रदीयते॥ हर्षदानमिति प्रोक्तं दानं तद्धर्मचिंतकैः

dṛṣṭvā priyāṇi śrutvā vā harṣavadyatpradīyate harṣadānamiti proktaṁ dānaṁ taddharmaciṁtakaiḥ

"'What is given joyfully upon seeing or hearing something pleasing — that giving those who reflect on dharma call giving from joy.'

Verse 61 (skanda.1.39.61)

आक्रोशानर्थहिंसानां प्रतीकाराय यद्भवेत्॥ दीयतेऽनुपकर्तृभ्यो भयदानं तदुच्यते

ākrośānarthahiṁsānāṁ pratīkārāya yadbhavet dīyate'nupakartṛbhyo bhayadānaṁ taducyate

"'What is given, even to those who render no service, as a remedy against curses, harm, or violence — that is called giving from fear.'

Verse 62 (skanda.1.39.62)

प्रोक्तानि षडधिष्ठानान्यंगान्यपि च षट्च्छ्रुणु॥ दाता प्रतिग्रहीता च शुद्धिर्देयं च धर्मयुक्

proktāni ṣaḍadhiṣṭhānānyaṁgānyapi ca ṣaṭcchruṇu dātā pratigrahītā ca śuddhirdeyaṁ ca dharmayuk

"'These six bases have now been told; hear also the six limbs — the giver, the recipient, purity, the gift joined with dharma,'

Verse 63 (skanda.1.39.63)

देशकालौ च दानानामंगान्येतानि षड्विदुः॥ अपरोगी च धर्मात्मा दित्सुरव्यसनः शुचिः

deśakālau ca dānānāmaṁgānyetāni ṣaḍviduḥ aparogī ca dharmātmā ditsuravyasanaḥ śuciḥ

"'and the place and time of giving — these six are held to be the limbs of a gift. Free of illness, righteous of soul, eager to give, free of vice, pure...'

Verse 64 (skanda.1.39.64)

अनिंद्याजीवकर्मा च षड्भिर्दाता प्रशस्यते॥ अनृजुश्चाश्रद्दधानोऽशांतात्मा धृष्टभीरुकः

aniṁdyājīvakarmā ca ṣaḍbhirdātā praśasyate anṛjuścāśraddadhāno'śāṁtātmā dhṛṣṭabhīrukaḥ

"'...and blameless in livelihood — a giver possessing these six qualities is praiseworthy. The dishonest, the faithless, the unquiet of soul, the insolent yet cowardly,'

Verse 65 (skanda.1.39.65)

असत्यसंधो निद्रालुर्दातायं तामसोऽधमः॥ त्रिशुक्लः कृशवृत्तिश्च घृणालुः सकलेंद्रियः

asatyasaṁdho nidrālurdātāyaṁ tāmaso'dhamaḥ triśuklaḥ kṛśavṛttiśca ghṛṇāluḥ sakaleṁdriyaḥ

"'the false to his word, and the slothful — such a giver is tamasic and base. Thrice pure, of simple living, compassionate, master of every sense,'

Verse 66 (skanda.1.39.66)

विमुक्तो योनिदोषेभ्यो ब्राह्मः पात्रमुच्यते॥ सौमुख्यादभिसंप्रीतिरर्थिनां दर्शने सदा॥ सत्कृतिश्चानसूया च तदा शुद्धिरिति स्मृता

vimukto yonidoṣebhyo brāhmaḥ pātramucyate saumukhyādabhisaṁprītirarthināṁ darśane sadā satkṛtiścānasūyā ca tadā śuddhiriti smṛtā

"'and freed from the faults of birth — such a Brahmin is called a worthy recipient. A gentle face, genuine delight always at the sight of petitioners, their honoring, and freedom from envy — this is remembered as purity.'

Verse 67 (skanda.1.39.67)

अपराबाधमक्लेशं स्वयत्नेनार्जितं धनम्॥ स्वल्पं वा विपुलं वापि देयमित्यभिधीयते

aparābādhamakleśaṁ svayatnenārjitaṁ dhanam svalpaṁ vā vipulaṁ vāpi deyamityabhidhīyate

"'Wealth free from harm to others and free of hardship, earned through one's own effort, whether small or great — that alone is called what should be given.'

Verse 68 (skanda.1.39.68)

तेनापि किल धर्मेण उद्दिश्य किल किंचन॥ देयं तद्धर्मयुगिति शून्ये शून्यं फलं मतम्

tenāpi kila dharmeṇa uddiśya kila kiṁcana deyaṁ taddharmayugiti śūnye śūnyaṁ phalaṁ matam

"'What is given with that dharma in view, directed toward some purpose — that is called a gift joined with dharma; a purposeless gift yields only an empty fruit.'

Verse 69 (skanda.1.39.69)

न्यायेन दुर्लभं द्रव्यं देशे कालेपि वा पुनः॥ दानार्हौ देशकालौ तौ स्यातां श्रेष्ठौ न चान्यथा

nyāyena durlabhaṁ dravyaṁ deśe kālepi vā punaḥ dānārhau deśakālau tau syātāṁ śreṣṭhau na cānyathā

"'Wealth rightfully hard-won — and likewise the place and time — these two, place and time, should be the finest suited to giving, and never otherwise.'

Verse 70 (skanda.1.39.70)

षंडगानीति चोक्तानि द्वौ च पाकावतः श्रृणु॥ द्वौ पाकौ दानजौ प्राहुः परत्राथ त्विहोच्यते

ṣaṁḍagānīti coktāni dvau ca pākāvataḥ śrṛṇu dvau pākau dānajau prāhuḥ paratrātha tvihocyate

"'Thus the six limbs have been told; now hear the two ripenings — two ripenings of giving are declared, one in the world beyond, the other spoken of here.'

Verse 71 (skanda.1.39.71)

सद्भ्यो यद्दीयते किंचित्तत्परत्रोपतिष्ठति॥ असत्सु दीयते किंचित्तद्दानमिह भुज्यते

sadbhyo yaddīyate kiṁcittatparatropatiṣṭhati asatsu dīyate kiṁcittaddānamiha bhujyate

"'What is given to the virtuous stands ready for one in the world beyond; what is given to the unworthy is exhausted right here.'

Verse 72 (skanda.1.39.72)

द्वौ पाकाविति निर्दिष्टौ प्रकारांश्चतुरः श्रृणु॥ ध्रुवमाहुस्त्रिकं काम्यं नैमित्तिकमिति क्रमात्

dvau pākāviti nirdiṣṭau prakārāṁścaturaḥ śrṛṇu dhruvamāhustrikaṁ kāmyaṁ naimittikamiti kramāt

"'Thus the two ripenings have been shown; now hear the four kinds — the constant, the threefold desired, and the occasional — in this order.'

Verse 73 (skanda.1.39.73)

वैदिको दानमार्गोऽयं चतुर्धा वर्ण्यते द्विजैः॥ प्रपारामतडागादिसर्वकामफलं ध्रुवम्

vaidiko dānamārgo'yaṁ caturdhā varṇyate dvijaiḥ prapārāmataḍāgādisarvakāmaphalaṁ dhruvam

"'This Vedic path of giving is described fourfold by the twice-born; watering-sheds, groves, reservoirs and the like, granting every wish, are called the constant gift.'

Verse 74 (skanda.1.39.74)

तदाहुस्त्रिकामित्याहुर्दीयते यद्दिनेदिने॥ अपत्यविजयैश्वर्यस्त्रीबालार्थं प्रदीयते

tadāhustrikāmityāhurdīyate yaddinedine apatyavijayaiśvaryastrībālārthaṁ pradīyate

"'This too they call the threefold gift — what is given day after day, or given for the sake of offspring, victory, sovereignty, a wife, or a child —'

Verse 75 (skanda.1.39.75)

इच्छासंस्थं च यद्दानं काम्यमित्यभिधीयते॥ कालापेक्षं क्रियापेक्षं गुणापेक्षमिति स्मृतौ

icchāsaṁsthaṁ ca yaddānaṁ kāmyamityabhidhīyate kālāpekṣaṁ kriyāpekṣaṁ guṇāpekṣamiti smṛtau

"'and whatever gift rests upon a particular wish is called the desired gift; it is held to be threefold — bound to time, bound to action, and bound to merit.'

Verse 76 (skanda.1.39.76)

त्रिधा नौमित्तिकं प्रोक्तं सदा होमविवर्जितम्॥ इति प्रोक्ताः प्रकारास्ते त्रैविध्यमभिधीयते

tridhā naumittikaṁ proktaṁ sadā homavivarjitam iti proktāḥ prakārāste traividhyamabhidhīyate

"'The occasional too is declared threefold, and is always without fire-offering. Thus these kinds have been described, each shown to be threefold in itself.'

Verse 77 (skanda.1.39.77)

अष्टोत्तमानि चत्वारि मध्यमानि विधानतः॥ कानीयसानि शेषाणि त्रिविधत्वमिदं विदुः

aṣṭottamāni catvāri madhyamāni vidhānataḥ kānīyasāni śeṣāṇi trividhatvamidaṁ viduḥ

"'By ordinance, eight are held highest, four middling, and the rest lowest — thus is this threefold order known.'

Verse 78 (skanda.1.39.78)

गृहप्रासादविद्याभूगोकूपप्राणहाटकम्॥ एतान्युत्तमदानानि उत्तमद्रव्यदानतः

gṛhaprāsādavidyābhūgokūpaprāṇahāṭakam etānyuttamadānāni uttamadravyadānataḥ

"'A house, a mansion, learning, land, a cow, a well, life itself, and gold — these, being gifts of the highest substance, are called the highest gifts.'

Verse 79 (skanda.1.39.79)

अन्नारामं च वासांसि हयप्रभृतिवाहनम्॥ दानानि मध्यमानीति मध्यमद्रव्यदानतः

annārāmaṁ ca vāsāṁsi hayaprabhṛtivāhanam dānāni madhyamānīti madhyamadravyadānataḥ

"'Food, a garden, garments, and vehicles such as horses — these, being gifts of middling substance, are called the middling gifts.'

Verse 80 (skanda.1.39.80)

उपानच्छत्रपात्रादिदधिमध्वासनानि च

upānacchatrapātrādidadhimadhvāsanāni ca

"'Sandals, an umbrella, a vessel and the like, curds, honey, and a seat —'

Verse 81 (skanda.1.39.81)

दीपकाष्ठोपलादीनि चरमं बहुवार्षिकम्॥ इति कानीयसान्याहुर्दाननाशत्रयं श्रृणु

dīpakāṣṭhopalādīni caramaṁ bahuvārṣikam iti kānīyasānyāhurdānanāśatrayaṁ śrṛṇu

"'a lamp, firewood, stones and such things — these last, given over many years, are declared the lowest gifts; now hear the three ruins of giving.'

Verse 82 (skanda.1.39.82)

यद्दत्त्वा तप्यते पश्चादासुरं तद्धृथा मतम्॥ अश्रद्धया यद्ददाति राक्षसं स्याद्वृथैव तत्

yaddattvā tapyate paścādāsuraṁ taddhṛthā matam aśraddhayā yaddadāti rākṣasaṁ syādvṛthaiva tat

"'What is given and afterward regretted is held to be demonic and given in vain; what is given without faith is held to be rākṣasa, and equally in vain.'

Verse 83 (skanda.1.39.83)

यच्चाक्रुश्य ददात्यंग दत्त्वा वाक्रोशति द्विजम्॥ पैशाचं तद्वृथा दानंदाननाशास्त्रयस्त्वमी

yaccākruśya dadātyaṁga dattvā vākrośati dvijam paiśācaṁ tadvṛthā dānaṁdānanāśāstrayastvamī

"'And what is given, dear one, while abusing the recipient, or is followed by abuse of the Brahmin — that is pisācha giving, and vain; these are the three ruins of giving.'

Verse 84 (skanda.1.39.84)

इति सप्तपदैर्बद्धं दानमाहात्म्य मुत्तमम्॥ शक्त्या ते कीर्तितं राजन्साधु वाऽसाधु वा वद

iti saptapadairbaddhaṁ dānamāhātmya muttamam śaktyā te kīrtitaṁ rājansādhu vā'sādhu vā vada

"'Thus, gathered into seven parts, has this supreme greatness of giving been proclaimed to you, O king, to the best of my power — now tell me whether it is good or ill.'"

Verse 85 (skanda.1.39.85)

॥धर्मवर्मोवाच॥ अद्य मे सफलं जन्म अद्य मे सफलं तपः॥ अद्य ते कृतकृत्योऽस्मि कृतः कृतिमतां वर

dharmavarmovāca adya me saphalaṁ janma adya me saphalaṁ tapaḥ adya te kṛtakṛtyo'smi kṛtaḥ kṛtimatāṁ vara

Dharmavarma said: "Today my birth has borne fruit, today my austerity has borne fruit; today, through you, I stand fulfilled, O best among the accomplished.

Verse 86 (skanda.1.39.86)

पठित्वा सकलं जन्म ब्रह्मचारि यथा वृथा॥ बहुक्लेशात्प्राप्तभार्यः सावृथाऽप्रियवादिनी

paṭhitvā sakalaṁ janma brahmacāri yathā vṛthā bahukleśātprāptabhāryaḥ sāvṛthā'priyavādinī

"As a whole lifetime spent studying as a celibate student would be in vain, or as a wife won through great hardship who then speaks unkindly is likewise in vain,

Verse 87 (skanda.1.39.87)

क्लेशेन कृत्वा कूपं वा स च क्षारोदको वृथा॥ बहुक्लेशैर्जन्म नीतं विना धर्मं तथा वृथा

kleśena kṛtvā kūpaṁ vā sa ca kṣārodako vṛthā bahukleśairjanma nītaṁ vinā dharmaṁ tathā vṛthā

"so a well dug with great labor, whose water proves brackish, is in vain; and just so, a life spent amid many hardships is in vain without dharma.

Verse 88 (skanda.1.39.88)

एवं मे यद्वृथा नाम जातं तत्सफलं त्वया॥ कृतं तस्मान्नमस्तुभ्यं द्विजेभ्यश्च नमोनमः

evaṁ me yadvṛthā nāma jātaṁ tatsaphalaṁ tvayā kṛtaṁ tasmānnamastubhyaṁ dvijebhyaśca namonamaḥ

"Whatever in my own life might thus have been in vain, you have now made fruitful; therefore salutation to you, and salutation again and again to all Brahmins.

Verse 89 (skanda.1.39.89)

सत्यमाह पुरा विष्णुः कुमारान्विष्णुसद्भनि

satyamāha purā viṣṇuḥ kumārānviṣṇusadbhani

"Truly did Vishnu once say this to the Kumaras, amid his own devoted attendants —

Verse 90 (skanda.1.39.90)

नाहं तथाद्भि यजमानहविर्वितानश्चयोतद्घृतप्लुतमदन्हुतभुङ्मुखेन॥ यद्ब्राह्मणस्य मुखतश्चरतोनुघासं तुष्टस्य मय्यवहितैर्निजकर्मपाकैः

nāhaṁ tathādbhi yajamānahavirvitānaścayotadghṛtaplutamadanhutabhuṅmukhena yadbrāhmaṇasya mukhataścaratonughāsaṁ tuṣṭasya mayyavahitairnijakarmapākaiḥ

"'Not by the water-offerings of the sacrificer, by the ghee-drenched array of oblations, consumed through the mouth of the sacrificial fire, am I so pleased — as I am by that which passes, morsel by morsel, through the mouth of a contented Brahmin, food that is itself my own portioned act.'"

Verse 91 (skanda.1.39.91)

तन्मयाऽशर्मणा वापि यद्विप्रेष्वप्रियं कृतम्॥ सर्वस्य प्रभवो विप्रास्तत्क्षमतां प्रसादये

tanmayā'śarmaṇā vāpi yadvipreṣvapriyaṁ kṛtam sarvasya prabhavo viprāstatkṣamatāṁ prasādaye

"Whatever unpleasant thing I have done, knowingly or unknowingly, against Brahmins — O Brahmins, source of all, forgive it; I seek your grace.

Verse 92 (skanda.1.39.92)

त्वं च कोसि न सामान्यः प्रणम्याहं प्रसादये॥ आत्मानं ख्यापय मुने प्रोक्तश्चेत्यब्रवं तदा

tvaṁ ca kosi na sāmānyaḥ praṇamyāhaṁ prasādaye ātmānaṁ khyāpaya mune proktaścetyabravaṁ tadā

"And who indeed are you, no ordinary being? Bowing, I seek your grace — reveal yourself, O sage." Thus addressed, I then said —

Verse 93 (skanda.1.39.93)

॥नारद उवाच॥ नारदोऽस्मि नृपश्रेष्ठ स्थानकार्थी समागतः॥ प्रोक्तं च देहि मे द्रव्यं भूमिं च स्थानहेतवे

nārada uvāca nārado'smi nṛpaśreṣṭha sthānakārthī samāgataḥ proktaṁ ca dehi me dravyaṁ bhūmiṁ ca sthānahetave

Narada said: "I am Narada, O best of kings, come here seeking a place; and as was promised, now give me that wealth and land, for the sake of this place.

Verse 94 (skanda.1.39.94)

यद्यपीयं देवतानां भूमिर्द्रव्यं च पार्थिव॥ तथापि यस्मिन्यः काले राजा प्रार्थ्यः स निश्चितम्

yadyapīyaṁ devatānāṁ bhūmirdravyaṁ ca pārthiva tathāpi yasminyaḥ kāle rājā prārthyaḥ sa niścitam

"Even though this land and this wealth belong to the gods, O king, still, whenever a king is rightly petitioned, this is certain —

Verse 95 (skanda.1.39.95)

सहीश्वरस्यावतारो भर्त्ता दाताऽभयस्य सः॥ तथैव त्वामहं याचे द्रव्यशुद्धिप्सया॥ पूर्व ममालयं देहि देयार्थे प्रार्थनापरः

sahīśvarasyāvatāro bharttā dātā'bhayasya saḥ tathaiva tvāmahaṁ yāce dravyaśuddhipsayā pūrva mamālayaṁ dehi deyārthe prārthanāparaḥ

"that he himself is an incarnation of the Lord, protector and giver of freedom from fear; even so, desiring the purity of this gift, I ask of you — first grant me my dwelling, for I am intent upon this plea for what should be given."

Verse 96 (skanda.1.39.96)

॥राजोवाच॥ यदि त्वं नारदो विप्र राज्यमस्त्वखिलं तव॥ अहं हि ब्राह्मणानां ते दास्यं कर्ता न संशयः

rājovāca yadi tvaṁ nārado vipra rājyamastvakhilaṁ tava ahaṁ hi brāhmaṇānāṁ te dāsyaṁ kartā na saṁśayaḥ

The king said: "If you are indeed Narada, O Brahmin, let this whole kingdom be yours; I shall surely become the servant of your Brahmins, without doubt."

Verse 97 (skanda.1.39.97)

॥नारद उवाच॥ यद्यस्माकं भवान्भक्तस्तत्ते कार्यं च नो वचः

nārada uvāca yadyasmākaṁ bhavānbhaktastatte kāryaṁ ca no vacaḥ

Narada said: "If you are truly devoted to us, then this is your duty, and this is our word —

Verse 98 (skanda.1.39.98)

सर्वं यत्तद्देहि मे द्रव्यमुक्तं भुवं च मे सप्तगव्यूतिमात्राम्॥ भूयात्त्वत्तोप्यस्य रक्षेति सोऽपि मेने त्वहं चिंतये चार्थशेषम्

sarvaṁ yattaddehi me dravyamuktaṁ bhuvaṁ ca me saptagavyūtimātrām bhūyāttvattopyasya rakṣeti so'pi mene tvahaṁ ciṁtaye cārthaśeṣam

"'give me all that promised wealth, and give me land measuring seven gavyutis; and let it, and all beyond it, remain under your protection.'" He agreed to this, and I then turned to consider what still remained to be done.