Bhagavad Gita 17.20 — Sattvic Charity: Given as Duty, at the Right Time and Place, to a Worthy Person
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे ।
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥ १७.२० ॥
🔊 Listen to meaning of this shloka
Current voice: —
Ready
Text-to-speech is not supported by this browser.
Charity that is given as a matter of duty, to one who does nothing in return, at the proper place and time, and to a worthy person, is considered sattvic.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| dātavyam | it ought to be given; it is a duty to give |
| iti | thus |
| yat | which |
| dānam | charity; gift |
| dīyate | is given |
| anupakāriṇe | to one who cannot or does not repay; without expectation of return |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| deśhe | in a proper place |
| kāle | at a proper time |
| cha | and |
| pātre | to a worthy recipient |
| cha | and |
| tat | that |
| dānam | charity |
| sāttvikam | sattvic; of the nature of goodness |
| smṛtam | is considered; is regarded as |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| dātavyam | it ought to be given; it is a duty to give | deśhe | in a proper place |
| iti | thus | kāle | at a proper time |
| yat | which | cha | and |
| dānam | charity; gift | pātre | to a worthy recipient |
| dīyate | is given | cha | and |
| anupakāriṇe | to one who cannot or does not repay; without expectation of return | tat | that |
| dānam | charity | ||
| sāttvikam | sattvic; of the nature of goodness | ||
| smṛtam | is considered; is regarded as | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes sāttvika dāna: a gift given purely out of duty, to someone who can do nothing in return, at the proper place and time, and to a worthy recipient.
Essence
The Gift Given Without Expectation
Charity is praised throughout the scriptures, but Lord Krishna notes that the quality of the giving decides the quality of the gift. He sets out the conditions of sattvic charity.
Dātavyam iti yad dānam (given with the feeling 'it is one's duty to give'): The giver acts from a sense of rightness and compassion, not from pressure, pity mixed with pride, or the desire for recognition.
Anupakāriṇe (to one who cannot repay): The recipient is someone from whom no return benefit is expected. The giving is free of bargaining.
Deśe (in the proper place), kāle (at the proper time), and pātre (to a worthy person): Wisdom guides generosity. The gift comes when it is truly needed, in a suitable setting, and to someone who will benefit from it. Giving that ignores real need or enables harm cannot be called sattvic.
Sattvic giving thus combines a good heart with good judgment. It is an expression of the Gita's central teaching: act dutifully, without attachment to the result.
Message for Everyday Life (Generosity with Wisdom)
Give because it is right, not because it is rewarded: Support those in need, whether with money, time, or knowledge, without keeping a mental ledger of what you will receive in return.
Practical approach: Look for genuine needs around you and respond at the right time and in the right way. Also use discernment so that your help truly uplifts the receiver.
The Gift Given Without Expectation
Charity is praised throughout the scriptures, but Lord Krishna notes that the quality of the giving decides the quality of the gift. He sets out the conditions of sattvic charity.
Dātavyam iti yad dānam (given with the feeling 'it is one's duty to give'): The giver acts from a sense of rightness and compassion, not from pressure, pity mixed with pride, or the desire for recognition.
Anupakāriṇe (to one who cannot repay): The recipient is someone from whom no return benefit is expected. The giving is free of bargaining.
Deśe (in the proper place), kāle (at the proper time), and pātre (to a worthy person): Wisdom guides generosity. The gift comes when it is truly needed, in a suitable setting, and to someone who will benefit from it. Giving that ignores real need or enables harm cannot be called sattvic.
Sattvic giving thus combines a good heart with good judgment. It is an expression of the Gita's central teaching: act dutifully, without attachment to the result.
Message for Everyday Life (Generosity with Wisdom)
Give because it is right, not because it is rewarded: Support those in need, whether with money, time, or knowledge, without keeping a mental ledger of what you will receive in return.
Practical approach: Look for genuine needs around you and respond at the right time and in the right way. Also use discernment so that your help truly uplifts the receiver.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the gift made with a pure heart. He now shows the contrasting charity of rajas, which is given with expectation, reluctance, or an eye on the return.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
The best gifts leave no ledger behind.
Help that arrives in time is twice a gift.
Give in a way that lifts, not lowers.
Generosity guided by wisdom does the most good.
Giving is a duty of the fortunate.
The heart is lightest when it expects nothing back.
Look for the real need, not just the visible one.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'dātavyam iti' (it ought to be given) mean?
Who is 'anupakārin' (one who cannot or does not return the favour)?
What do 'deśha' (place), 'kāla' (time) and 'pātra' (worthy recipient) mean in charity?
Why is such charity called 'sāttvika' (sattvic, pure and harmonious)?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
Explore related topics
More shlokas on the themes this verse touches: