The Principles of Charity
“Bhishma teaches Yudhishthira the profound principles of charity—why giving matters, how to give properly, and the transformative power of selfless generosity that purifies the giver and maintains cosmic order.”
Contains: philosophical content, mature themes
Story Summary
As the final instructions continue, Bhishma begins teaching Yudhishthira the principles of dana-dharma—the duty and art of charity. The grand patriarch explains why charity matters, how it purifies the giver, benefits the receiver, and maintains the cosmic order. He describes different types of charity—giving to the learned, to the needy, to the righteous—and emphasizes the importance of giving with the right attitude, without expectation, and with genuine compassion. Through illustrative examples and fables, Bhishma shows Yudhishthira that charity is not just an act of giving, but a principle of living, not just material donation, but spiritual practice. The teachings cover the right way to give—with respect, with humility, with joy—and the wrong ways that diminish the value of charity. Yudhishthira learns that true charity transforms both giver and receiver, that it is a path to purification, and that it is essential for maintaining dharma. The story emphasizes that charity is not about the amount given, but about the intention, the attitude, and the understanding behind the act. As Yudhishthira absorbs these teachings, he begins to understand the profound significance of giving, setting the stage for further teachings on duties and rights.