What percentage of my income should I give in dāna?

a tenth (daśāṁśa) is a widely followed guide, but give what you can steadily sustain without hurting your family.

There is no single fixed rule across Hindu texts. A widely known custom is to set aside one-tenth of one’s earnings, called daśāṁśa or dasvandh in different communities, for religious and charitable giving. Some Purāṇic and smṛti teachings suggest dividing wealth into portions for dharma, for growth, for enjoyment and for family, so that giving is a planned part of life rather than an occasional impulse.

The śāstras also warn against giving so much that dependants suffer; caring for your parents, spouse and children is itself dharma. If a tenth is hard now, start with a small fixed amount each month and increase it as income grows.

What matters most is regularity, a worthy recipient and the right spirit: giving quietly, without pride, and without expecting anything back.

Source: daśāṁśa / dasvandh custom of giving a tenth

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