Dvitīya-prakaraṇam (Niyama) · Verse 5

न्यायार्जितं धनं चान्नमन्यद्वा यत्प्रदीयते । अर्थिभ्यः श्रद्धया युक्तं दानमेतदुदाहृतम् ॥

nyāyārjitaṃ dhanaṃ cānnamanyadvā yatpradīyate | arthibhyaḥ śraddhayā yuktaṃ dānametadudāhṛtam ||

This verse meticulously defines dana, or gift-giving, not merely as an act of charity, but as a foundational practice within the yogic path. The crucial element is shraddha, faith or conviction – a sincere belief in the inherent worth of the recipient and the transformative potential of the offering. Without this unwavering shraddha, the act remains devoid of its true yogic efficacy, failing to generate the subtle energy necessary for spiritual progression. The uniting of dana with shraddha is presented as a potent means to purify the prāṇa flow, aligning the giver’s will with the cosmic order and generating merit, a key component in achieving liberation, ultimately fostering a state of inner harmony and detachment. This foundational act of selfless giving establishes the groundwork for further yogic practices.