Bhagavad Gita · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga — The Three Kinds of Faith

Chapter 17, Verse 20

"Bhagavad Gita 17.20" — meaning and explanation.

Meaning

17.20 That gift which is given to one who does nothing in return, knowing it to be a duty to give in a fit place and time to a worthy person, that gift is held to be Sattvic.

।।17.20।। "दान देना ही कर्तव्य है" - इस भाव से जो दान योग्य देश, काल को देखकर ऐसे (योग्य) पात्र (व्यक्ति) को दिया जाता है, जिससे प्रत्युपकार की अपेक्षा नहीं होती है, वह दान सात्त्विक माना गया है।।

Explanation

17.20 दातव्यम् ought to be given? इति thus? यत् that? दानम् gift? दीयते is given? अनुपकारिणे to one who does no service (in return)? देशे in a fit place? काले in time? च and? पात्रे to a worthy person? च and? तत् that? दानम् gift? सात्त्विकम् Sattvic? स्मृतम् is held to be.Commentary The gift should be given to one who cannot return the good or to one from whom no such return is expected.It is necessary to be in Kurukshetra or Varanasi or any part of the world that is eally sacred when one offes gifts. The time should be during solar or lunar eclips or an eally auspicious occasion.Worthy A pious person who is a Tapasvin? who is well versed in the scriptures (the Vedas and the,Vedangas)? who is able to protect himself and the donor? etc.At such a time and such a place there shoule be a person worthy to receive the gift? a person who is the very incarnation of purity? the very abode of good conduct. A gift may be freely given to such a highly deserving person. The donor should not boast of his charity.

Life Lesson

Study Bhagavad Gita 17.20 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

Context

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, verse 20, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

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