How should we give dāna — to whom and how?

give to the deserving and the needy, at a fitting time, with respect and without expecting anything back — that is sāttvic dāna.

The Gītā (17.20) calls sāttvic that gift which is given because giving is right, to one who cannot repay, at the proper place and time, to a worthy person. Gifts given for a return or reluctantly are rājasic; gifts given disrespectfully or to the unworthy are tāmasic. The Taittirīya Upaniṣad adds that one should give with faith, with modesty, with grace and with understanding.

Traditional forms include anna-dāna (feeding the hungry, considered among the greatest), vidyā-dāna (supporting education), clothes, medicine, and gifts to temples, cows and learned people. Ekādaśī, Amāvasyā, eclipses, festivals and family anniversaries are favoured days.

Practically: give with the right hand, without announcing it, within your means and without causing hardship to your family; check that a charity is genuine. Even a small gift given with a kind word is complete dāna.

Source: Bhagavad Gītā 17.20–22 · Taittirīya Upaniṣad 1.11: “śraddhayā deyam”

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