दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे।देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्।।17.20।।
dātavyam iti yat dānam dīyate ’nupakāriṇe; deśe kāle ca pātre ca taddānam sāttvikam smṛtam
Translation
Charity given to a worthy person simply because it is right to give, without consideration of anything in return, at the proper time and in the proper place, is stated to be in the mode of goodness.
Word Meanings
dātavyam — worth giving; iti — thus; yat — that which; dānam — charity; dīyate — is given; anupakāriṇe — irrespective of return; deśe — in a proper place; kāle — at a proper time; ca — also; pātre — to a suitable person; ca — and; tat — that; dānam — charity; sāttvikam — in the mode of goodness; smṛtam — is considered.
Understanding the Verse
In this concise verse Krishna delineates the criteria that elevate a donation from merely a material transaction to a spiritually meritorious act. The first qualifier, ‘dātavyam’, emphasizes that the object of charity must be something inherently worthy – not merely surplus, but something that benefits the receiver and aligns with dharma. By focusing on the worthiness of the gift, the giver cultivates a mindset of selflessness rather than a desire to off‑load unwanted items.
The phrase ‘iti yat dānam dīyate‑anupakāriṇe’ stresses the motive behind the offering. When the donor gives without expectation of reciprocal benefit, gratitude, or even gratitude in return, the act transcends egoic calculation. This disinterested generosity purifies the heart, removing the subtle attachment that binds the soul to material outcomes. Such a motive is a hallmark of the sattvic (goodness) quality, which seeks harmony with the universal order.
Timing and location – ‘deśe kāle ca’ – are the third conditions. Charity performed at the appropriate moment, when the recipient is actually in need, and in a suitable setting ensures that the gift is both useful and effective. A donation offered hastily, or in a setting that embarrasses the receiver, can inadvertently cause distress or dependence, thereby contaminating its purity. The Gita, through this stipulation, teaches that wisdom and sensitivity are essential in acts of giving.
The final qualifier, ‘pātre ca’, insists upon the suitability of the recipient. A worthy person is not just any individual; it is one who can appreciate, utilize, and possibly further propagate the virtue of generosity. This avoids supporting harmful habits or enabling exploitation. By directing resources toward those capable of integrating the gift into constructive life paths, the donor contributes to a ripple effect of moral upliftment.
When all these conditions converge – worthiness of the gift, selfless intent, proper timing and place, and a suitable recipient – the act is classified as ‘sāttvikam’. In the three‑guna framework, sattva represents clarity, purity, and balance. A sattvic charity therefore not only benefits the receiver but also refines the donor’s consciousness, fostering inner tranquility, reducing selfish desires, and aligning the individual with the divine principle of self‑less service. Such actions become spiritual practice (yoga) in themselves, cultivating the seeds for liberation (moksha).
In contemporary life, this verse offers a practical ethical guide. It urges us to reflect before giving: Is the donation truly needed? Am I giving out of compassion or for personal gain? Is the moment right? And is the recipient prepared to receive it honorably? By answering these questions, modern practitioners can transform ordinary charity into a potent tool for personal growth and societal harmony.
