Chapter 17, Verse 21
यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुन: | दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥21॥
yattu pratyupakārārthaṁ phalam uddiśya vā punaḥ | dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṁ tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smṛtam ||21||
"But the gift which is given expecting reciprocation, or again, with a desire for its result, and which is given grudgingly—that is considered to be born of Rajas (the mode of passion)."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.21 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.21 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna defines Rajasic charity as giving with strings attached. This involves three primary flaws: the expectation of a return favor (pratyupakārārthaṁ), the desire for personal gain or merit (phalam uddiśya), or giving with a heavy, regretful heart (parikliṣṭam). While the act of giving is present, the purity of the 'Bhava' (intent) is compromised by ego and attachment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 17.21?
But the gift which is given expecting reciprocation, or again, with a desire for its result, and which is given grudgingly—that is considered to be born of Rajas (the mode of passion).