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Chapter 17 • Verse 21
The Yoga of the Threefold Faith
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna describes rajasic charity—charity that is rajasic. 'Yat pratyupakārārthaṁ phalam uddiśya vā punaḥ dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṁ'—charity that is given (dīyate) expecting return (pratyupakārārtham), or expecting results (phalam uddiśya), or given with distress (parikliṣṭam). 'Tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smṛtam'—that charity (dānam) is known (smṛtam) to be rajasic (rājasam). Rajasic charity is given with expectation of return or results, or given reluctantly. It's not selfless—it's driven by desire for personal benefit. Understanding this helps you recognize rajasic charity and move toward sattvic charity.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse reveals that rajasic charity is given expecting return, expecting results, or given with distress. Rajasic charity is driven by desire for personal benefit—you give to get something. It's conditional rather than selfless. When you give expecting return or results, or give reluctantly, you practice rajasic charity. Understanding this helps you recognize rajasic charity and move toward sattvic charity, which is selfless and given with the attitude that it should be given. The goal isn't to judge rajasic charity—it's to recognize it and gradually move toward sattvic charity.
Personal Reflection
Do you give expecting return or results? Do you give with distress or reluctance? How can you move toward sattvic charity?
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