Annadaana

“O Grandisre Bhishma! education, tapas, charities...which is best of these three.” asked Dharmaja.

“O Dharmaja! in this connection, I will tell you the conversation between Vyasa and Maitreya. Once Veda Vyasa visited Kasi town and met Saint Maitreya. Maitreya received Vyasa with due honours and offered him sumptuous food. Vyasa was satisfied with his hospitality.

“O Maitreya! amongst all Danas, Annadaana is greatest. You offered me food. I am very much satisfied. In fact, this body and the life in it grow with food only. By performing Tapas, mind will be purified. Learning would become easier. Learning increases his Tapas. Therefore, learning and charities increase the power of Tapas. Amongst all Danas, Annadaana is best. However bad he may be, by performing Annadaana, he becomes pure.” said Vyasa to Maitreya. Therefore, Dharmanandana! amongst all Dharmas, daana dharma is best. Amongst all daanas, Annadaana is best.” said Bhishma.