Shloka 14
Fruits of Righteousness: Charity, Faith, and the Path to Yama
श्रद्धादानेन विज्ञेयमपि वालाग्रमात्रकम् । यत्पात्रादि चतुष्टयं श्रद्धा तेषु सदा मम
śraddhādānena vijñeyamapi vālāgramātrakam | yatpātrādi catuṣṭayaṃ śraddhā teṣu sadā mama
Selbst etwas so Winziges wie die Spitze eines Haares soll als bedeutsam erkannt werden, wenn es im Glauben dargebracht wird. Wie auch immer die vier Faktoren — beginnend mit dem würdigen Empfänger — beschaffen sind: Meine beständige Sorge ist der Glaube an sie.
Unspecified (context-dependent within Bhūmi-khaṇḍa 68; likely a deity or authoritative narrator teaching on dāna/śraddhā)
Concept: The efficacy of even the tiniest gift depends on śraddhā; among the ‘fourfold factors’ of giving (recipient and related conditions), the divine priority is faith.
Application: When donating or serving, focus on sincerity, humility, and right intention; do not postpone goodness due to small capacity—offer what you can with full heart.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A devotee offers something minuscule—like a single grain or a tiny flower—held carefully between fingers, yet it shines as if weighty with meaning. Behind the scene, a subtle, compassionate divine presence is suggested by a soft aura, indicating that faith magnifies the offering beyond measure.","primary_figures":["devotee donor","subtle divine presence (Vishnu as antaryāmin, suggested)","recipient (brāhmaṇa or devotee)"],"setting":"Quiet shrine corner or simple courtyard with offering plate, water pot, and a calm, uncluttered space emphasizing inner intention","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["pale gold","midnight blue","pearl white","rose pink","soft teal"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: close-up devotional composition—hands offering a tiny flower/grain on a gold-embossed plate; faint Vishnu aura in the background with gold leaf radiance; rich jewel tones, ornate borders, gem-like highlights emphasizing the paradox of small offering and vast merit.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: delicate hands presenting a tiny offering, serene faces, minimal interior; a translucent wash of light behind suggesting the divine witness; cool blues and soft pinks, refined linework and contemplative stillness.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: stylized hands and offering tray, bold outlines; a symbolic halo-field behind indicating divine concern for śraddhā; strong yellow-red-green palette with rhythmic ornamentation and clear iconographic emphasis.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: central offering motif framed by lotus vines; tiny offering rendered with intricate detail, surrounded by gold patterns suggesting magnification through devotion; deep indigo ground, ornate floral borders, subtle Vishnu symbols (shankha-chakra) in the textile design."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"meditative","suggested_raga":"Durga","pace":"slow-meditative","voice_tone":"serene","sound_elements":["soft tanpura drone","single bell strike","silence","gentle conch in distance"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: श्रद्धादानेन = श्रद्धा + दानेन; विज्ञेयमपि = विज्ञेयम् + अपि; वालाग्रमात्रकम् = वालाग्र + मात्रकम्; यत्पात्रादि = यत् + पात्रादि.
FAQs
It teaches that even a very small gift gains true value when offered with śraddhā (faith/sincere intention), and that faith is central to the proper conditions of giving.
It refers to a traditional fourfold framework connected with charity—beginning with the pātra (worthy recipient) and other supporting factors (such as the giver, the gift, and the proper time/place). The verse emphasizes that śraddhā should pervade these factors.
Do not measure generosity only by quantity; prioritize sincerity, reverence, and right intention, so that giving becomes spiritually meaningful and ethically sound.