________________
MANAV DHARMA / 63 4. He gives only such food stuffs in "Ahar” to the saint, which
may, be relevant to the seasonal need and proves helpful in his spiritual meditation, studying of scriptires and in contemplatian of his self. Here the devotee, the householder, does not even hesitate to give gladly the valuables in charity, which may be spent in the proper and better treatment of the saint. He never expresses his uneasiness on thoughts, how so ever hard labour he will have to put in their respectful service. There is not itching of thoughts in the devotee. After doing their respectful service, householder feels more pleasure, more happiness, more encourgement in himself and looking them at the door of his house or within his house, his pleasures know no bounds and with all humbleness and faith, he welcomes them. He provides a higher place for their seat. touches their feet, washes them with pure light warm water and then takes their Bliss or Ashirwad by putting the water on his head and eyes and then he and his family members bow them with due respect and humbleness and realises in his heart that his whole life is a success now. Then with utmost sincerity of the mind, body and speech he offers purest food stuffs, in their Ahar. In doing all these performances he never shows his laziness or dullness, on the other hand he feels a strange light of happiness in his innerself. Something more has been described in next verse below :नवपुण्यैः प्रतिपत्तिः सप्तगुण समाहितेन शुद्धेन ।
आपसूनारम्भाणा-मार्याणा-मिष्यते दानम् ॥११३॥ Explanation :
The welcoming of and the offering of food to holy saints, who do not engage themselves in the householder's work (crushing, grinding kindling of fire and the like) have received them with the nine fold ceremonies (Navdha Bhakti prescribed for showing reverence to holy personages) by a lay man excelling in the seven well known virtues, is called Real - DAAN (Gift - charity) Description :
Those saints, who have renounced themselves from the householder's works of every kind, should be respected by the house holder, who should be bestowed with seven good qualities (1) faith (2) Contentment (3) Devotion (4) Gyan (Wisdom) (5) Control of greed (6) forgiveness and (7) Energy and the saints be welcomed with nine fold methods of showing respect and to provide them with pure,