History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v3.c43.46

v3.c43.46

Dānas are divided into *nitya*²⁰⁰³ (called ājasrika by Devala), *naimittika* and *kāmya*. Whatever is given everyday (such as food after Vaiśvadeva &c.) is nitya, what is given at certain specified times (such as on eclipses) or on account of doing certain acts (such as penance for lapses) is called naimittika; what is given through the desire of securing progeny, victory, prosperity, heaven or a wife is called kāmya (as it springs from a desire). Dedication of a garden or of a well &c. is called dhruvadāna (permanent gift) by Devala; while the Kūrma-purāṇa adds to the well-known three a fourth division called *vimala* (pure) defined by it as 'what is given to those who know brahma for securing the grace of God with a mind full of devotion.' Vas. Dh. S. 29. 1-15, Viṣṇu Dh. S. 92 and Manu IV. 229-232 (which are repeated in Vṛddha-Gautama, chap. XI. p. 586) and many of the purāṇas are eloquent over what rewards a man reaps by making gifts of water, food, sesame &c. The Bhagavad-gītā (17. 20-22) divides dānas into sāttvika, rājasa and tāmasa and defines them as follows: When a gift is made because one feels it one's duty to make it and at a proper time and place and to a worthy person who will not return it, it is called sāttvika; when it is made with an expectation of the donee doing a good turn in return or with a view to securing some reward therefrom and is given grudgingly, it is rājasa; when a gift is made at an improper time or place and to an unworthy person and without showing honour to the recipient and with disrespect (or contempt), it is declared to be tāmasa.