Indeed, I shall tell you, O Bharata,
how gifts should be made unto all the orders of men. From desire of
merit, from desire of profit, from fear, from free choice, and from pity,
gifts are made, O Bharata! Gifts, therefore, should be known to be of
five kinds. Listen now to the reasons for which gifts are thus
distributed in five classes. With mind freed from malice one should make
gifts unto Brahmanas, for by making gifts unto the one acquires fame here
and great felicity hereafter. (Such gifts are regarded as made from
desire of merit.) He is in the habit of making gifts; or he has already
made gifts to me. Hearing such words from solicitors one gives away all
kinds of wealth unto a particular solicitor. (Such gifts are regarded as
made from desire of profit.) I am not his, nor is he mine. If
disregarded, he may injure me. From such motives of fear even a man of
learning and wisdom may make gifts unto an ignorant wretch. (Such gifts
are regarded as made from fear.) This one is dear to me, I am also dear
to him. Influenced by considerations like these, a person of
intelligence, freely and with alacrity, make gifts unto a friend. (Such
gifts are regarded as made from free choice.) The person that solicits me
is poor. He is, again, gratified with a little. From considerations such
as these, one should always make gifts unto the poor, moved by pity.
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