Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 17
Dharma-ākhyāna (Discourse on Dharma): Worthy Charity, Fruitless Gifts, and the Merit of Building Ponds
ये केचित्पापनिरता निन्दिताः सुजनैः सदा । न तेभ्यः प्रतिगृह्णीयान्न च वद्याद्दिजोत्तम । सत्कर्मनिरतायापि देयं यत्नेन नारद ॥ १८ ॥
ye kecitpāpaniratā ninditāḥ sujanaiḥ sadā | na tebhyaḥ pratigṛhṇīyānna ca vadyāddijottama | satkarmaniratāyāpi deyaṃ yatnena nārada || 18 ||
Mereka yang tenggelam dalam dosa dan sentiasa dicela oleh orang-orang mulia—janganlah menerima pemberian daripada mereka, dan seorang yang utama dalam kalangan dwija pun jangan berbicara dengan mereka. Tetapi kepada orang yang tekun dalam amal saleh, hendaklah memberi sedekah dengan cermat dan bersungguh-sungguh, wahai Nārada.
Sanatkumara (teaching Narada)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: raudra
FAQs
It teaches that purity is required not only in worship but also in social exchange: accepting gifts or close contact with habitual sinners can taint one’s dharmic standing, while charity given to the righteous strengthens merit and sattva.
Bhakti is supported by ethical discipline (sadācāra): a devotee safeguards purity by avoiding corrupt sources of wealth and association, and by offering resources carefully to those aligned with satkarma—actions conducive to devotion and spiritual growth.
It reflects Dharma-śāstric application of ritual ethics—especially the rules of dāna and pratigraha (giving and receiving)—which guide how offerings and livelihood remain ritually and morally pure.