Shloka 18
Dāna-vidhi: Pātra-nirṇaya, Go-dāna-mahima, and Rules of Acceptance
न श्रोतव्यं द्विजेनैतदधो नयति तं द्विजम् / समर्थो यो न गृह्णीयाद्दातृलोकानवाप्नुयात्
na śrotavyaṃ dvijenaitadadho nayati taṃ dvijam / samartho yo na gṛhṇīyāddātṛlokānavāpnuyāt
A dvija, the twice-born, should not listen to such improper talk or teaching, for it drags that Brahmin downward. And one who is able yet refuses to accept what is duly offered does not attain the worlds gained through the merit of giving—the donor’s realm.
Lord Vishnu (speaking to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Śravaṇa of improper discourse causes spiritual decline; refusing proper offerings despite capacity blocks attainment of merit-associated realms.
Vedantic Theme: Indriya-saṃyama (restraint of the senses, especially hearing) and karma-bandha through acceptance/refusal governed by dharma.
Application: Curate what one listens to; accept appropriate support meant for dharmic purposes when one is a rightful recipient, without greed or contempt.
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
Related Themes: Garuda Purana dharma passages on śravaṇa-doṣa and pratigraha-niyama; acceptance/refusal rules continue in adjacent verses (1.98.19-20)
FAQs
This verse frames acceptance by a qualified person as part of dharma: refusing what is properly offered—despite being eligible—causes loss of the merit-linked attainment described as reaching the donor’s merit-worlds.
In the Preta Kanda context, funeral and śrāddha-related gifts depend on proper transmission of merit; the verse warns that improper discourse degrades the dvija and that refusal to receive due offerings obstructs the intended spiritual fruit of giving.
Maintain discernment about what teachings or speech you engage with, and if you are legitimately qualified to receive support or offerings tied to religious duties, do not reject them out of pride—ensure the giver’s intention and the rite’s integrity are honored.