Donation

Once the sage Narada went to Yama’s abode and asked him to talk about various gifts and their significance. Nachiketa related this discussion to the sages who had come to Uddalaka’s hermitage to hear about his experiences in Yama’s city.

One who donates gifts attains objects of enjoyment, a wife, sons and good fortune.

The gift of food brings good health, sharp intelligence and an excellent memory. The gift of water fulfils all desires. Gifts of rice, water, fruits, clothes and honey bring good fortune in this life and the next. If one donates incense, one attains Vasuloka or Goloka, two heavenly abodes. If one gives clarified butter or honey, one attains vimanas. The giving of lamps saves one from darkness. Giving shelter to frightened creatures leads to the granting of all one’s wishes. The gifting of cows is of special significance as a cow is useful to mankind in various ways.