Dakshina.

Chapter 10 - The Eight Limbs Of Yoga 

Day 83 

When you give things to people, it brings back something to you. There are some good vibrations and this makes you happy. If you are very unhappy one day, then give away something or give some gifts to somebody. Then, your consciousness will change, shift and sometimes when you accept gifts from someone, you will feel unhappy. 

In the ancient days, they knew this science very well. They used to call wise people to their homes and give them food and gifts. And, when they accepted, they would give one more offering. This was to show thankfulness to the wise people for having accepted their offering. This was called dakshina.

So, if someone accepts a gift, then the giver should be thankful. This is called dakshina. The giver is thankful because they are not just taking something. The acceptors are giving back their mind and taking away certain impressions or karmas of the past from the giver's mind. 

Non acceptance or non accumulation of objects, or things from people, is aparigraha. Parigraha is always receiving and wondering what will be received. If you do not accept anything from anybody, you will feel different. This is practically not possible in the world. 

There are people who practice this to the extreme. You do not have to go to the extreme but being aware of this fact is useful. These are five mahavratas - the great rules, the great vows. You will get results according to the extent of your practice. 

Suppose your mind feels that you do not care about the rules. That you want to do what you wish to. If you wish to be violent, you will be so. To counter this Patanjali said to do the opposite. Before mentioning this, he also mentioned the niyamas.

Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankarji 

PATANJALI YOGA SUTRAS