There are many ways by which people may earn their livelihood—through knowledge, through various crafts, and in other manners. Among these, the great sages have especially described two pure means: gleaning the fallen grains after harvest and picking what is left behind in the fields. Of all foods, that which comes unasked, given freely and not sought out, is like nectar itself; while food obtained by begging is considered lifeless, as if already dead. Such sustenance, whether it lasts for three days or only for the next day, is accepted with gratitude and restraint. The one who excels others in righteousness, who upholds dharma above all, is truly to be known as the best among those who conquer the world. Among the four traditional ways of livelihood, two may be chosen by one, but the fourth way is to live by the sacred thread of Brahman—the Brahmasatra—dedicating life to spiritual pursuit. A person should always offer pure oblations at the end of each half-year, maintaining the sanctity of ritual. The livelihood of a Brahmin must be straightforward, free from deceit, and pure in every respect. Alternatively, if one must beg, it should be from someone who is pure and self-restrained, but the Brahmin should not indulge or find satisfaction in such alms for himself. By performing the prescribed rites for the gods and ancestors, one avoids falling into lower births, such as that of dogs. Desires that do not run counter to righteousness are permitted for Brahmins, but never otherwise. Therefore, when wealth is obtained, it should be used for giving, for offering oblations, and for performing sacrifices, upholding the highest ideals. All this was once declared by Brahma himself to the sages who speak of the Supreme. He proclaimed the greatness of ‘gift’—dāna—which bestows both the fruits of enjoyment and liberation. Of all forms of wealth, giving is considered the highest; all other forms merely preserve something or someone for a time. Among gifts, the fourth kind, called pure, is said to be the most exalted. Therefore, one should always give to a Brahmin without expecting any specific reward in return. If a gift is given for a particular reason, it is still performed by the virtuous; and if it is made with a purpose in mind, the sages who reflect on righteousness recognize it as legitimate. Yet, the purest and most auspicious gift is that offered with a mind united with righteousness. A truly worthy recipient will appear—one who is able to deliver the giver from all suffering. If a gift is given otherwise, without these qualities, it yields no reward. Gifts should be given with devotion, to one who is virtuous and poor. The giver of such gifts attains the supreme state, where no sorrow can reach. Whoever gives to one learned in the Vedas is freed from the cycle of birth and death. By giving to a poor Brahmin, one is cleansed of all sins. The gift of food is praiseworthy and equal for all, but the gift of knowledge surpasses even that. He who bestows knowledge according to the proper rule is honored in the very world of Brahma, freed from all sins, and attains the abode of Brahman. Thus, one should give to such a recipient alone, and having given, one attains the highest state. Let the giver fast according to the prescribed rule, remaining calm, pure, and with a concentrated mind. After worshipping with scents and other offerings, he should have the sacred text recited, or recite it himself. All sins committed throughout life are instantly destroyed by such acts. Whoever gives to a Brahmin crosses over all evil deeds. By indicating the gift to the Lord of Dharma, the Brahmin frees him from fear. By satisfying Brahmins with vessels filled with water, the sin of even killing a Brahmin is removed. Clad in white garments and offering black sesame seeds into the fire, the twice-born crosses over all sin committed since birth. Whatever is offered, if it is dedicated to Śaṅkara, the Lord of gods, the sin accumulated over seven lifetimes is instantly destroyed. Thus, the path of righteous giving leads one to purity, liberation, and the highest blessedness.