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

Chapter 17, Verse 21

"Bhagavad Gita 17.21" — meaning and explanation.

Meaning

17.21 And, that gift which is given with a view to receive something in return, or looking for a reward, or reluctantly, is held to be Rajasic.

।।17.21।। और जो दान क्लेशपूर्वक तथा प्रत्युपकार के उद्देश्य से अथवा फल की कामना रखकर दिया जाता हैं, वह दान राजस माना गया है।।

Explanation

17.21 यत् which? तु indeed? प्रत्युपकारार्थम् with a view to receive in return? फलम् fruit? उद्दिश्य looking for? वा or? पुनः again? दीयते is given? च and? परिक्लिष्टम् reluctantly? तत् that? दानम् gift? राजसम् Rajasic? स्मृतम् is held to be.Commentary Charity or gift that is given in the hope that it will be returned in the future and praised in public or that the gift will bring some unseen reward or heavenly pleasure is passionate. If a man makes a gift to a Brahmana or a Sannyasin with the hope that all his sins will be washed away? this is also a Rajasic gift. If a man is grieved at heart after making the gift this is also a gift of passionate nature.

Life Lesson

Study Bhagavad Gita 17.21 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

Context

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, verse 21, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

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