Chapter 17, Verse 20
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे | देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्विकं स्मृतम् ॥20॥
dātavyam iti yad dānaṃ dīyate 'nupakāriṇe | deśe kāle ca pātre ca tad dānaṃ sāttvikaṃ smṛtam ||
"Charity given as a matter of duty, without expectation of return, at the right place and time, and to a worthy person, is considered to be in the mode of goodness (sattva)."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.20 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.20 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse defines 'Sattvic Dānam' (charity in the mode of goodness). For an act of giving to be truly pure, it must satisfy four criteria: 1) It must be done with the internal conviction that giving is a duty (Datavyam). 2) It must be given to someone from whom no return is expected (Anupakāriṇe). 3) It must be given at an appropriate time and place (Desha and Kala). 4) It must be given to a worthy recipient (Patra) who will use the gift for a righteous purpose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 17.20?
Charity given as a matter of duty, without expectation of return, at the right place and time, and to a worthy person, is considered to be in the mode of goodness (sattva).