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Chapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith · 28 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Nature & guṇasChapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith
17.2017.22

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 17.21

Charity according to the modes

Prakṛti · Material nature

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.

3 study points

Charity in the Mode of Passion

  1. 1

    Charity given expecting a return, seeking rewards, or with reluctance is in the mode of passion.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that giving to reach heaven, regretting the expense, or giving under obligation is charity in passion.

  3. 3

    Avoid supporting sense gratification through charity. Vedic scripture recommends only charity in the mode of goodness.

Key points from the purport

Charity in passion

Expectation of some return

Desire for fruitive results

Elevation to heavenly kingdom

Offering gifts to institutions where sense gratification goes on

Grudging mood

e.g. With great trouble and repentance afterwards

Sometimes given under obligation at the request of a superior

Further reading

Charity In The Modes

Charity can also be performed in goodness, passion and ignorance

Results will differ accordingly

Chapter 17, section V: Charity In The Modes
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yatthat which
  2. tubut
  3. prati-upakāra-arthamfor the sake of getting some return
  4. phalama result
  5. uddiśyadesiring
  6. vāor
  7. punaḥagain
  8. dīyateis given
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: prakṛti, guṇa.

4

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.

5

The story behind it

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

All stories for chapter 17 ›
6

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
Live this todayAusterity of the MindA practice from BG 17.16, close to this verse

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

  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 4 of 9 · 10 minChapters & storiesGo chapter by chapter, with the Mahābhārata stories that explain what is happening.Back · LearnPrabhupāda's Introduction