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Chapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith · 28 verses

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Nature & guṇasChapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith
17.2017.22

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 17.21

Charity according to the modes

यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुन: ।

दीयते च परिक्ल‍ि‍ष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥ २१ ॥

yat tu pratyupakārārthaṁ

phalam uddiśya vā punaḥ

dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṁ

tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smṛtam

Translation

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.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

Charity in the Mode of Passion

  1. 1Charity given expecting a return, seeking rewards, or with reluctance is in the mode of passion.
  2. 2Prabhupāda explains that giving to reach heaven, regretting the expense, or giving under obligation is charity in passion.
  3. 3Avoid supporting sense gratification through charity. Vedic scripture recommends only charity in the mode of goodness.

Where we are

In the story

Chapter 17, The Divisions of Faith: charity according to the modes.

What it teaches

Theme summary

The modes of nature condition behavior.

2

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: prakṛti, guṇa.

3

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 17.21 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to nature & guṇas?

Practice

Observe which mode shaped your last decision.

4

The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 17 ›
5

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 17.20Charity according to the modesBG 17.22Charity according to the modesBG 7.14Crossing beyond māyā

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

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Back to step 3The key ideasNext · Step 5 of 7 · 5 minLive the teachingsBring it into your day with a practice and a question, straight from Prabhupāda's purports.