Shloka 10
Dāna for the Preta: Supreme Gifts, Yama’s Pacification, and Viṣṇu-Smaraṇa at the Time of Death
यच्चानु मोदते पुत्रस्तच्च दानमनन्तकम् / अतो दद्यात् स पुत्रो वा यावज्जीवत्ससौ चिरम् / अतिवाहस्तथा प्रेतो भोगांश्च लभते यतः
yaccānu modate putrastacca dānamanantakam / ato dadyāt sa putro vā yāvajjīvatsasau ciram / ativāhastathā preto bhogāṃśca labhate yataḥ
Jede Gabe, die der Sohn billigt und freudig bejaht, wird zu unerschöpflicher Wohltätigkeit. Darum soll der Vater geben — oder der Sohn geben — solange jener Sohn lange lebt. Denn durch dieses Verdienst erlangt der Verstorbene, im feinen ātivāhika-Leib weitergetragen, Genüsse.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Afterlife Stage: Yamaloka Journey
Concept: Anumodana (heir/son’s approval) stabilizes and amplifies dāna-phala, making it ‘anantaka’; merit supports the ātivāhika/preta in transit.
Vedantic Theme: Interdependence of karma across relational networks (saṃbandha) without denying individual agency; dharma of lineage as a means to orderly gati.
Application: Coordinate charitable acts within the family; obtain clear consent/approval from heirs to avoid dispute and to strengthen the intended religious/ethical purpose.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: karuna
Related Themes: Garuda Purana Pretakalpa: ātivāhika/preta descriptions and the role of offerings/merit in providing bhoga during transit
FAQs
This verse states that a gift approved and supported by the son becomes “anantaka” (inexhaustible), strengthening the merit dedicated to the departed.
It indicates that the preta, in its carried-along subtle transit state (ativāha), receives ‘bhoga’ (experiences/comforts) through the merit generated by proper dāna connected with family participation.
Perform śrāddha-related charity with family unity and conscious assent—supporting elders in dhārmic giving and dedicating the merit for ancestors with sincerity.