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Chapter 17 • Verse 22
The Yoga of the Threefold Faith
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna completes the description of three kinds of charity with tamasic charity. 'Adeśa-kāle yad dānam apātrebhyaś ca dīyate'—charity (dānam) that is given (dīyate) at the wrong place and time (adeśa-kāle), to unworthy persons (apātrebhyaḥ). 'Asatkṛtam avajñātaṁ'—without respect (asatkṛtam) and with contempt (avajñātaṁ). 'Tat tāmasam udāhṛtam'—that is declared (udāhṛtam) to be tamasic (tāmasam). Tamasic charity is given carelessly, at the wrong place and time, to unworthy recipients, without respect or with contempt. It's not beneficial—it's harmful and destructive. Understanding this helps you recognize and avoid tamasic charity.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse reveals that tamasic charity is given at the wrong place and time, to unworthy persons, without respect, and with contempt. Tamasic charity is harmful rather than beneficial. It's given carelessly, without wisdom or respect, making it destructive. When you give carelessly, at the wrong place and time, to unworthy recipients, or with contempt, you practice tamasic charity. Understanding this helps you recognize and avoid tamasic charity. The goal isn't to judge tamasic charity—it's to recognize it and move toward sattvic charity, which is given with wisdom, respect, and appropriateness.
Personal Reflection
Do you give carelessly, at the wrong place and time, to unworthy recipients, or with contempt? Is your giving harmful rather than beneficial? How can you move toward sattvic charity?
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