Shloka 34
Saṅkara-jāti-nirṇaya and Gṛhastha-ācāra: Daily Rites, Purity, Anadhyāya, and Food Discipline
यज्ञार्थलब्धं नादद्याद्भासः काको ऽपि वा भवेत् / कुसूतकुम्भीधान्यो वा त्र्याहिकः श्वस्तनो ऽपि वा
yajñārthalabdhaṃ nādadyādbhāsaḥ kāko 'pi vā bhavet / kusūtakumbhīdhānyo vā tryāhikaḥ śvastano 'pi vā
One should not accept as a gift what has been obtained for the sake of a sacrifice; if one does, one becomes like a kite, or even a crow. Likewise, one should not accept gifts from a weaver, a potter, a grain-dealer, from one observing a three-day rite, or even from one who only intends to give “tomorrow”.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue with Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Do not appropriate what is designated for yajña; practice discernment in accepting gifts, avoiding sources considered ritually/ethically compromising.
Vedantic Theme: Aparigraha-like restraint: non-grasping preserves sattva; tainted acquisition binds and coarsens consciousness.
Application: Maintain clean boundaries around earmarked funds/resources; adopt ethical acceptance policies and avoid conflicts of interest.
Primary Rasa: bibhatsa
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.96 (dāna/anna-śuddhi and prohibitions on acceptance)
FAQs
This verse warns that accepting offerings meant for yajña (or from questionable sources) can taint one’s merit and degrade one’s spiritual condition, emphasizing purity and right conduct in charity.
By linking unethical acceptance to a degraded state (symbolized by becoming like a kite or crow), it reinforces that actions (karma) shape post-death outcomes—central to the Preta Khanda’s moral framework.
Keep charity and receiving transparent: avoid benefits tied to someone else’s sacred duty, and prefer clean, ethically sourced support—especially around rites, vows, and religious ceremonies.