Bhagavad Gita 17.21 — Rajasic Charity: Given for Return, Reward, or Reluctantly
यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः ।
दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥ १७.२१ ॥
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But charity that is given with the expectation of a return, or with a desire for fruit, or reluctantly, is considered rajasic.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yat | which |
| tu | but |
| pratyupakāra | in return for a favour; expecting a return |
| artham | for the sake of |
| phalam | fruit; reward |
| uddiśhya | aiming at; with the desire for |
| vā | or |
| punaḥ | again; moreover |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| dīyate | is given |
| cha | and |
| parikliṣhṭam | reluctantly; with a grudge or pain |
| tat | that |
| dānam | charity |
| rājasam | rajasic; of the nature of passion |
| smṛtam | is considered; is regarded as |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yat | which | dīyate | is given |
| tu | but | cha | and |
| pratyupakāra | in return for a favour; expecting a return | parikliṣhṭam | reluctantly; with a grudge or pain |
| artham | for the sake of | tat | that |
| phalam | fruit; reward | dānam | charity |
| uddiśhya | aiming at; with the desire for | rājasam | rajasic; of the nature of passion |
| vā | or | smṛtam | is considered; is regarded as |
| punaḥ | again; moreover | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Lord Krishna describes rājasika dāna: a gift given in expectation of a return, with an eye to the reward, or grudgingly, with a heavy heart.
Essence
The Gift with Strings Attached
The outward act of giving is the same, but the heart behind it is very different.
Pratyupakārārtham (for the sake of getting something in return): The giver expects a favour, loyalty, or influence in exchange. The gift is really an investment.
Phalam uddiśya vā punaḥ (or with an eye on a future reward): Even if no immediate return is expected, the giver may be hoping for recognition, merit, or some future benefit.
Parikliṣṭam (given reluctantly and with pain): The giver feels the loss keenly and gives with regret, perhaps because of social pressure or a sense of obligation, with resentment hiding behind the giving.
Rajasic charity reveals how deeply attachment can colour even our best actions. When we give with a clenched heart, we deprive ourselves of the joy that generosity should bring, and the receiver often senses the reluctance.
Message for Everyday Life (Check Your Motives for Giving)
Notice hidden expectations: Gifts, favours, and donations are often accompanied by silent expectations of gratitude or return. When these are unmet, we feel hurt or resentful.
Practical approach: Before giving, ask yourself whether you can let go of the outcome. If you cannot give freely today, give a smaller amount willingly instead of a larger one resentfully. Happiness in giving grows when expectation falls.
The Gift with Strings Attached
The outward act of giving is the same, but the heart behind it is very different.
Pratyupakārārtham (for the sake of getting something in return): The giver expects a favour, loyalty, or influence in exchange. The gift is really an investment.
Phalam uddiśya vā punaḥ (or with an eye on a future reward): Even if no immediate return is expected, the giver may be hoping for recognition, merit, or some future benefit.
Parikliṣṭam (given reluctantly and with pain): The giver feels the loss keenly and gives with regret, perhaps because of social pressure or a sense of obligation, with resentment hiding behind the giving.
Rajasic charity reveals how deeply attachment can colour even our best actions. When we give with a clenched heart, we deprive ourselves of the joy that generosity should bring, and the receiver often senses the reluctance.
Message for Everyday Life (Check Your Motives for Giving)
Notice hidden expectations: Gifts, favours, and donations are often accompanied by silent expectations of gratitude or return. When these are unmet, we feel hurt or resentful.
Practical approach: Before giving, ask yourself whether you can let go of the outcome. If you cannot give freely today, give a smaller amount willingly instead of a larger one resentfully. Happiness in giving grows when expectation falls.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the charity of passion. He now turns to the lowest kind of giving, in which neither the time, the place, nor the manner is right and respect is entirely absent.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Gifts with strings tie the giver too.
Give gladly or not at all.
Check your heart before opening your hand.
If you keep score, you are bargaining, not giving.
The happiest givers expect nothing.
Letting go of the return sets the heart free.
Admit your motive, and your giving will improve.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'pratyupakārārtham' (for the sake of a return favour) mean?
What is meant by 'phalam uddiśhya' (aiming at a reward)?
What does 'parikliṣhṭam' (reluctantly) mean?
Why is such charity called 'rājasa' (rajasic, passionate and desire-driven)?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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