Gita reflection Ch 17 verses 21 & 22

21st November 2024

Even when one gives to charity, the attachment to the act and the donated object remains in the mind. Often, the giver expects something in return from the recipient.

Lord Krishna explains that Rajasic charity is "given with the expectation of something in return, or with a desire for a specific result, and given grudgingly or unhappily as an obligation."

The nature of Tamas, being ignorant and delusive, leads to Tamasic charity, which is "given at an improper place and time, to undeserving persons, without proper treatment, and with disdain."

Failing to consider how the charity will benefit the recipient and not showing due respect to the act of charity does not even qualify as a noble act of giving!