Garuda Mahā Purana - Achara Khaṇḍa
103 - Teachings of Yajnavalkya
Yajnavalkya said:
1-2. I shall mention the duties of mendicants. O Noble Sirs, know them. After returning from the forest, he shall first perform the sacrifice Sarva-Veda-Pradakshina and then the Prajapatya Vrata. At the end of the rites, he shall assimilate the fiery splendour in himself. He shall wish good for all living beings and be tranquil. Bearing three staffs and holding the water pot he shall resort to the village seeking alms and discard all physical labour for remuneration.
3. Without erring he shall continue seeking alms. He should not be seen in the evening along with other mendicants roaming about in the village, or he may do simple journeys without being ever ambitious.
4. He should become a Paramahamsa (great saint) with a single staff and self-control. When he finally achieves the yogic accomplishment and sheds the mortal body he will attain immortality.
5. By a regular practice of yogic exercises and taking food in small quantities he will have the great achievement. A donor, a person fond of guests, a householder who performs Shraddha and knower (Jnanin) becomes liberated.
Summary of chapter 103 of the Garuda Mahā Purana - Achara Khaṇḍa is as follows:
Bhagavān Vishṇu glorifies the practice of selfless charity, Dāna, declaring that giving with humility, without expecting anything in return, and to deserving recipients at proper times wipes away accumulated sins. As it happens, unselfish gifts offered for the pleasure of Prabhu Nārāyaṇa return as infinite spiritual grace in both this world and the higher realms.