भूयश्च श्रोतुमिच्छामि दानमाहात्म्यमुत्तमम्
I wish to hear again about the supreme greatness of giving.
नहि दानात्परतरमन्यदस्तीति मे मतिः
For in my view, there is nothing higher than giving.
अनीतं याति चाध्वानं धनं विप्रकरार्पितम्
Wealth entrusted to a Brahmin is carried along the path (to the next world).
किं कायेन सुपुष्टेन बलिना चिरजीविना
What is the use of a strong, well-nourished, long-lived body?
ग्रासादर्द्धमपि ग्रास मर्थिभ्यः किं न दीयते
Why is not even half a morsel of food given to those in need?
एकस्मिन्नप्यतिक्रांते दिने दानविवर्जिते
If even a single day passes without giving—
यस्य त्रिवर्गशून्यानि दिनान्यायांति यांति च
For the one whose days pass devoid of the three aims of life—
यैर्न दत्तं न च हुतं न तीर्थे मरणं कृतम्
For those who have not given, not offered oblations, nor died at a holy place—
दीना निरशना रूक्षाः कपालाङ्कितपाणयः 4.151.
The poor, the hungry, the harsh, with hands marked by begging bowls—
आयासशतलब्धस्य प्राणेभ्योपि गरीयसः
What is gained by a hundred labors is greater even than life itself.
नोपभोगैः क्षयं यांति न प्रदानैः समृद्धयः
Enjoyments do not exhaust it, nor does giving diminish prosperity.
अदृष्टपरतत्त्वोपि पात्रेभ्यो विसृजेद्धनम्
Even one who has not seen the highest truth should give wealth to the worthy.
दानानि बहुरूपाणि कथयामि तवानघ
O sinless one, I will tell you about the various kinds of gifts.
किञ्चिद्व्रतं यत्क्रियते पूज्यते च त्रिलोचनः
Whatever vow is performed, and when worship is offered, the three-eyed Lord is honored.
यानि दानानि देयानि तान्याचक्ष्य यदूत्तम
I will explain to you, best of the Yadus, which gifts should be given.
येन चैव विधानेन दानं पुण्यसुखावहम्
And by what procedure the giving of gifts brings merit and happiness.
आसप्तमं पुनंत्येते दोहवाहनवेदनैः
By means of offerings, vehicles, and knowledge, these purify up to the seventh generation.
गोदानमादौ वक्ष्यामि प्रत्यक्षक्रमयोगतः
First, I will describe the giving of cows, in the proper order and manner.
देयाः किंलक्षणा गावः काश्च राजन्विवर्जिताः 4.151.
What kind of cows should be given, and which are to be avoided, O King?
न्यायार्जिता सवत्सा च प्रदेया श्रोत्रियाय गौः
A cow that is lawfully acquired, with a calf, should be given to a learned Brahmin.
वृद्धा सरोगा हीनांगी वंध्या दुष्टा मृतप्रजा
Old, diseased, deformed, barren, wicked, or one whose calf has died—
सा दत्तैव हरेत्पापं श्रोत्रियायाहिताग्नये
Even if such a cow is given, she removes sin when given to a Brahmin who maintains the sacred fire.
अकुलीनाय मूर्खाय लुब्धाय पिशुनाय च
Not to one who is of low lineage, ignorant, greedy, or slanderous.
घृतक्षीराभिषेकं च कृत्वा विष्णोः शिवस्य च
After anointing with ghee and milk, to Vishnu and Shiva,
समभ्यर्च्य यथान्यायं पुष्पादिभिरनुक्रमात्
Having properly worshipped with flowers and other offerings in due order,
सवत्सां वस्त्रसंवीतां सितयज्ञोपवीतिनीम्
A cow with her calf, clothed in cloth, adorned with a white sacred thread,
शक्तितो दक्षिणायुक्तां ब्राह्मणाय निवेदयेत्
With a gift according to one's ability, should be presented to a Brahmin.
अश्वं सदा सुकर्णे वा दासीं शिरसि दापयेत्
A horse with good ears, or a maidservant, should be given with reverence.
गावो मे हृदये संतु गवां मध्ये वसाम्यहम् 4.151.
May cows abide in my heart; among cows I dwell.
इमां च प्रतिगृह्णीष्व धेनुर्दत्ता मया तव
And this cow, given by me, you should accept.