Bhagavad Gita BG 17.20
Chapter 17, Verse 20 — Meaning, Translation & Explanation
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे । देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥
datavyam iti yad danam diyate 'nupakarine deshe kale ca patre ca tad danam sattvikam smrtam
Meaning
That gift which is given with the thought 'it is right to give,' to one who does not reciprocate, in the right place and time, and to the right recipient — that gift is considered sattvic.
Understanding
Sattvic dana (charity): datavyam iti (given with the thought 'it is proper/right to give' — no ulterior motive). Anupakarine (to one who cannot or does not reciprocate — genuine generosity). Deshe kale ca patre ca (in the right place, right time, and right recipient — discerning giving). Sattvic gift = given because it is right, not for any return; given to a worthy recipient who cannot repay; given in the right context. The anti-thesis: rajasic giving is done for recognition or return; tamasic giving is done with contempt.
Word by Word
| Word | IAST | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| दातव्यम् | datavyam | it is to be given, it is right to give (obligation-word) |
| अनुपकारिणे | anupakarine | to one who does not reciprocate, who cannot return the favor |
| देशे | deshe | in the right place |
| काले | kale | at the right time |
| पात्रे | patre | to the right recipient (patre = to a worthy vessel) |
| दातव्यम् | dātavyam iti | "should be given" |
| यत् | yat | which |
| दानम् | dānam | charity |
| दीयते | dīyate | is given |
| अनुपकारिणे | anupakāriṇe | to one who cannot give in return |
| देशे | deśe | in a proper place |
| काले | kāle ca | and at the proper time |
| पात्रे | pātre ca | and to a worthy person |
| तत् | tat | that |
| सात्त्विकम् | sāttvikam | in goodness |
| स्मृतम् | smṛtam | is considered |