Scriptures highlight the diverse issues and conventions of dharma to be factored in when engaged in the act of charity. For instance, the one who gives is bound by the dharma to ensure that worthy gifts are given away and also to deserving people. In addition, he should not hark on his own act of generosity and should learn to forget it henceforth. But the recipient should not forget the act of kindness and should remain grateful all through his lifetime.
In the Katopanishad, Nachiketas is upset that his father gives away old and useless cattle during a sacrificial rite. In a discourse, Sri B. Sundarkumar drew attention to the story of a noble king of the solar race that is narrated in the Bhagavata Purana to illustrate how even an act of charity can turn out to be a transgression if the same gift is given to two people unknowingly. This king is reputed for his concern for the poor and needy to whom he gives charitable gifts in plenty.
Once it so happens that a cow that has already been given to a Brahmana strays back into the shed when being driven away. It joins the pack of cows that is now gifted to another Brahmana. Noticing the missing cow, the original owner comes back to claim it, but the new owner refuses to part with it. The king intervenes and offers both of them other well nourished cows so that they come to a compromise. As the negotiation goes on, with each one keen to possess the same cow, the king’s life term comes to an end with the unintentional fault of stealing a holy man’s property on his head. He chooses to undergo the punishment first rather than enjoy the fruits of his good deeds. He is born as a lizard and falls into a well, where he dwells until he is redeemed by Krishna.