Danam is dharma

THE ACT OF DANAM BESTOWS MANY BENEFITS.

IT REDUCES THE ATTACHMENT OF THE GIVER TOWARD MATERIAL OBJECTS;
IT DEVELOPS THE ATTITUDE OF SERVICE;
IT EXPANDS THE HEART, AND FOSTERS THE SENTIMENT OF COMPASSION FOR OTHERS.

Three-fold divisions of dānam:

  • A Daan that is given without any expectation of appreciation is beneficial to both giver and recipient.
  • A Daan that is given reluctantly and with the expectation of some advantage is harmful to both giver and recipient.
  • A Daan that is given without any regard for the feelings of the recipient and at the wrong time, so causing embarrassment to the recipient, is again harmful to both giver and recipient.
    (Bhagavadgita 17.20-22)
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