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Bhagwad Gita (English) | Chapter 17 | Verse 21

Chapter 17, Verse 21

The Divisions of Faith

But charity performed with the expectation of some return, or with a desire for fruitive results, or in a grudging mood, is said to be charity in the mode of passion.


Verse

यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः।दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम्।।17.21।।


yat tu pratyupakārārthaṁ phalam uddiśhya vā punaḥ
dīyate cha parikliṣhṭaṁ tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smṛitam

Meaning of each word

yat — which;
tu —
but;
prati-upakāra-artham —
with the hope of a return;
phalam —
reward;
uddiśhya —
expectation;
vā —
or;
punaḥ —
again;
dīyate —
is given;
cha —
and;
parikliṣhṭam —
reluctantly;
tat —
that;
dānam —
charity;
rājasam —
in the mode of passion;
smṛitam —
is said to be

Interpretation

In this verse, we learn about a specific way of giving, which is called charity. This kind of charity is done for certain reasons that aren't purely selfless.

First, imagine someone who gives money or gifts expecting something back in return. For example, if you give a present to a friend, but you want them to give you a favor later on, that act of giving is not entirely generous. Instead of just wanting to help, you have a hidden hope that they will owe you or repay you.

Next, sometimes people give because they want to feel important or get something good in return, like a better place in heaven or more respect from others. They may think, "If I donate this money, I will be rewarded later in life or even after death." This approach to charity shows that their heart isn’t fully into the giving—they have an agenda.

Also, charity can feel like an obligation or something you have to do, especially if someone in authority asks you to give. For instance, if a boss encourages employees to donate to a charity, some might do it just to avoid feeling guilty or to look good in front of others. If they give, but they aren’t happy about it or truly caring, then it’s not genuine charity; it’s done out of pressure or expectation.

Additionally, charity done begrudgingly—that is, giving while feeling unhappy, resentful, or regretful—falls into this category. For instance, a person might donate but think to themselves, "I wish I could keep this money for myself," feeling annoyed at having to give something away. This act still counts as charity but is motivated by interests or emotions that aren't pure.

This is what is called 'charity in the mode of passion.' It is less pure than giving just out of kindness or love, which reflects a true spirit of sharing, without wanting anything in return. The key takeaway here is that giving should ideally come from a place of love and compassion, not expectation or obligation.


Other Verses of Chapter 17
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