Geetanjali

Bhagavad Geeta 17.20

Sanskrit

दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे।देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्।।17.20।।

dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe deśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam

Meaning

Give without expectation of return, choosing the right recipient, timing, and context. True generosity creates lasting value.

Translation

That gift is referred to as born of sattva which is given with the idea that it should be given, to one who will not serve in return, at the right place, right time, and to the right person.

Related Topics

This verse relates to the following principles from the Bhagavad Geeta: