The gods and the departed manes are supported by the gifts one makes to a Brahmana. Hence one endued with knowledge should ever make gifts to the Brahmanas.
इतो दत्तेन जीवन्ति देवताः पितरस्तथा। तस्माद् दानानि देयानि ब्राह्मणेभ्यो विजानता॥