Shloka 104
An exposition on the fruits of charity and on entry into a body
Garbhotpatti, Piṇḍa-śarīra, and Antya-kāla-kriyā
तत्तत्फलस्याप्याधिक्यं भवतीत्यवधारय / दातव्यानि यथाशक्त्या प्रीतो ऽसौ सर्वदा भवेत्
tattatphalasyāpyādhikyaṃ bhavatītyavadhāraya / dātavyāni yathāśaktyā prīto 'sau sarvadā bhavet
Wisse gewiss, dass die Frucht jeder solchen Handlung noch größer wird. Darum soll man nach Kräften geben; so bleibt (der Herr/der Empfänger) stets erfreut.
Lord Vishnu (in instruction to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Each act’s fruit increases; therefore give according to one’s capacity; such giving keeps the recipient/the Lord ever pleased.
Vedantic Theme: Karma-yoga orientation: right action with appropriate measure (yathāśakti) and devotion, leading to inner purification and divine grace.
Application: Set a sustainable giving practice (money, food, time, knowledge) proportional to income/strength; prioritize consistency and sincerity over display.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 2.32.103 (sādhana predominance); Garuda Purana 2.32.105 (fruits of observances)
FAQs
This verse states that the merit (karma-phala) of such gifts increases, so giving—especially in dharmic contexts like śrāddha—is recommended as a powerful means of spiritual benefit.
In the Preta Kanda context, the instruction supports giving prescribed items and support according to one’s means, emphasizing that the ritual and ethical intent amplifies the resulting merit for the doer and the rite’s purpose.
Give consistently within your means—supporting dharmic causes, feeding others, and performing family rites sincerely—trusting that sincere, capacity-based giving yields greater inner and spiritual benefit.