Srimad Bhagavatam — Navama Skandha, Shloka 3
Rantideva’s Supreme Charity and the Hastī Lineage
Hastināpura and Pañcāla Origins
वियद्वित्तस्य ददतो लब्धं लब्धं बुभुक्षत: । निष्किञ्चनस्य धीरस्य सकुटुम्बस्य सीदत: ॥ ३ ॥ व्यतीयुरष्टचत्वारिंशदहान्यपिबत: किल । घृतपायससंयावं तोयं प्रातरुपस्थितम् ॥ ४ ॥ कृच्छ्रप्राप्तकुटुम्बस्य क्षुत्तृड्भ्यां जातवेपथो: । अतिथिर्ब्राह्मण: काले भोक्तुकामस्य चागमत् ॥ ५ ॥
viyad-vittasya dadato labdhaṁ labdhaṁ bubhukṣataḥ niṣkiñcanasya dhīrasya sakuṭumbasya sīdataḥ
Rantideva never endeavored to earn anything. He would enjoy whatever he got by the arrangement of providence, but when guests came he would give them everything. Thus he underwent considerable suffering, along with the members of his family. Indeed, he and his family members shivered for want of food and water, yet Rantideva always remained sober. Once, after fasting for forty-eight days, in the morning Rantideva received some water and some foodstuffs made with milk and ghee, but when he and his family were about to eat, a brāhmaṇa guest arrived.
FAQs
This verse highlights the ideal of selfless giving: Rantideva, though hungry and materially destitute, would donate whatever food he obtained, showing charity rooted in detachment and devotion.
Because he did not identify with ownership and remained steady-minded even amid hunger and hardship, continuing to serve others without selfish motive.
Practice mindful generosity—share time, food, or resources according to capacity—while reducing possessiveness and keeping service to others as a devotional principle.