Srimad Bhagavatam — Ashtama Skandha, Shloka 36
Vāmanadeva Praises Bali; the Measure of Three Steps; Śukrācārya Warns Against the Gift
न तद्दानं प्रशंसन्ति येन वृत्तिर्विपद्यते । दानं यज्ञस्तप: कर्म लोके वृत्तिमतो यत: ॥ ३६ ॥
na tad dānaṁ praśaṁsanti yena vṛttir vipadyate dānaṁ yajñas tapaḥ karma loke vṛttimato yataḥ
Los sabios no alaban la caridad que pone en peligro el propio sustento. La caridad, el yajña, la austeridad y las obras con fruto son posibles para quien puede mantener dignamente su vida.
FAQs
This verse says such charity is not praised; giving should be done in a way that does not destroy one’s proper maintenance and duties.
He highlights that pious acts like charity, sacrifice, and austerity are meant to be practiced responsibly, aligned with one’s capacity and worldly duties.
Give regularly and sincerely, but within your means—supporting dharmic causes without neglecting essential responsibilities like family upkeep and honest livelihood.