History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c43.39

v3.c43.39

Numerous rules are laid down about the things that can be the subject of gifts (i. e. about *deya*). Whatever is in this world a most desirable thing and what one prizes most in one's house may be given to a man endowed with good qualities by a donor who desires inexhaustible (merit) from it — Anuśāsana parva 59. 7.¹⁹⁹⁸ According to Devala, that is a proper subject for a gift, which has been acquired by the donor himself without causing pain or loss to another or without worry or trouble to himself, whether it be small or valuable (or much).¹⁹⁹⁹ It is not the extent of the gift that causes greater or lesser merit. Merit (*puṇya*) of gifts depends upon the mental attitude, the capacity of the giver and the way in which the donor acquired his wealth. If a man²⁰⁰⁰ were to give even the whole earth acquired by unjust means, or if he makes a gift without śraddhā (as defined) or to an unworthy person he would secure no prosperity (religious merit) thereby. On the other hand by making a gift of even a handful of vegetables with a heart full of śraddhā and to a very worthy person, he may secure all prosperity. If one possessing a thousand makes a gift of 100 or one having ten makes a gift of one and another gives only water according to his ability, they all reap an equal reward.