Shloka 7
Dāna for the Preta: Supreme Gifts, Yama’s Pacification, and Viṣṇu-Smaraṇa at the Time of Death
कल्पितं दीयते दानं तिला गावश्चमेदिनी / अन्येषु नैव वर्णेषु पोष्यवर्गे कदाचन
kalpitaṃ dīyate dānaṃ tilā gāvaścamedinī / anyeṣu naiva varṇeṣu poṣyavarge kadācana
In der vorgeschriebenen Weise soll man Almosen geben—Sesam, Kühe und Land. Solche Gaben sollen niemals anderen Varṇas oder denen gegeben werden, die als Abhängige auf Unterhalt leben, zu keiner Zeit.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Charity should be given according to prescription—sesame, cows, and land—while avoiding unsuitable recipients (other varṇas per the text; and ‘poṣya-varga’ dependents).
Vedantic Theme: Right action (dharma) requires right method and right context; karma is shaped by intention, procedure, and recipient.
Application: Give with due diligence: ensure the gift is appropriate, not enabling dependency or misuse; prefer empowerment-oriented support.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana: dāna-vidhi and recipient qualifications (general)
FAQs
This verse highlights sesame, cows, and land as especially meritorious gifts when given in the proper, rule-based way—commonly linked with śrāddha and post-death rites to support dharmic merit.
It emphasizes that donations should be given only to suitable recipients as per dharma, and not indiscriminately—warning against giving to “other” groups deemed improper in the ritual framework or to dependents maintained by others.
Give charity thoughtfully: prioritize ethical, appropriate recipients and causes, and follow clear intent and proper procedure—especially during memorial or ancestral observances.