Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 15
The Deliverance of King Nṛga and the Warning Against Taking Brāhmaṇa Property
स्वलङ्कृतेभ्यो गुणशीलवद्भ्य: सीदत्कुटुम्बेभ्य ऋतव्रतेभ्य: । तप:श्रुतब्रह्मवदान्यसद्भ्य: प्रादां युवभ्यो द्विजपुङ्गवेभ्य: ॥ १४ ॥ गोभूहिरण्यायतनाश्वहस्तिन: कन्या: सदासीस्तिलरूप्यशय्या: । वासांसि रत्नानि परिच्छदान् रथा- निष्टं च यज्ञैश्चरितं च पूर्तम् ॥ १५ ॥
sv-alaṅkṛtebhyo guṇa-śīlavadbhyaḥ sīdat-kuṭumbebhya ṛta-vratebhyaḥ tapaḥ-śruta-brahma-vadānya-sadbhyaḥ prādāṁ yuvabhyo dvija-puṅgavebhyaḥ
Una, pinarangalan ko muna ang mga brāhmaṇa na tatanggap ng aking kaloob sa pamamagitan ng pagdadamit at pag-aalay ng magagandang palamuti. Sila’y mga dakilang dwija, kabataan, angkan ay salat, may mabuting asal at katangian; tapat sa katotohanan, bantog sa pag-aayuno at tapa, malalim sa Veda, at banal ang gawi. Ipinagkaloob ko sa kanila ang mga baka, lupa, ginto at mga bahay, pati kabayo, elepante, mga dalagang maaaring ipakasal na may mga alila, gayundin linga, pilak, mainam na higaan, kasuotan, hiyas, kasangkapan at mga karwahe; bukod dito’y nagsagawa ako ng mga yajña at iba’t ibang gawaing makadiyos para sa kapakanan ng lahat.
FAQs
This verse praises giving to exemplary brāhmaṇas—truthful, disciplined, learned, saintly, and in genuine need—showing that dāna should be guided by character and dharma, not mere display.
Because the recipients of sacred charity are ideally those who uphold satya, vrata, tapaḥ, and śruta—qualities that preserve spiritual culture and ensure that gifts support dharma.
Give thoughtfully to people and institutions that demonstrate integrity, spiritual discipline, and genuine service—especially where there is real hardship—rather than giving only for reputation.