Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.21 यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः
श्लोक 17.21
यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः ।
दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥
yattu pratyupakārārthaṃ phalamuddiśya vā punaḥ |
dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṃ taddānaṃ rājasaṃ smṛtam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
परंतु जो दान बदले में उपकार पाने के लिए, या किसी फल की इच्छा से, या मन में कष्ट मानकर दिया जाता है, वह राजसी माना गया है।
Meaning in English
But a gift given expecting something in return, or with a reward in view, or given grudgingly, is considered rajasic.
Bhagavad Gita 17.21 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यत् तु | yat tu | but that which |
| प्रत्युपकारार्थम् | pratyupakāra-artham | for the sake of a return favour |
| फलम् | phalam | reward |
| उद्दिश्य | uddiśya | aiming at |
| वा पुनः | vā punaḥ | or again |
| दीयते | dīyate | is given |
| च | ca | and |
| परिक्लिष्टम् | parikliṣṭam | reluctantly, grudgingly |
| तत् | tat | that |
| दानम् | dānam | gift |
| राजसम् | rājasam | rajasic |
| स्मृतम् | smṛtam | is regarded |
Explanation
But a gift given in expectation of something in return, or with an eye on some reward, or given grudgingly, is regarded as rajasic. Such giving is really a kind of exchange or investment, and when it is made reluctantly, the act itself becomes a burden to the giver.
Shankara explains pratyupakāra as expecting the recipient to help in return later, and phalam uddiśya as seeking some unseen merit or worldly result. Parikliṣṭa means given with pain or regret. Commentators note that rajasic giving still does some good to the receiver, but it keeps the giver bound in a cycle of expectation. The contrast with 17.20 is clear: there the gift flows freely from a sense of what is right.
भावार्थ
जो दान बदले में उपकार पाने के लिए, या किसी फल की इच्छा से, या मन में क्लेश के साथ दिया जाता है, वह राजसी दान माना गया है। ऐसा दान वास्तव में एक सौदा बन जाता है।
Living it today
If you give expecting thanks, favours or publicity, notice the hidden bargain. Try giving once without any expectation and see how it feels.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.21?
But a gift given in expectation of something in return, or with an eye on some reward, or given grudgingly, is regarded as rajasic. Such giving is really a kind of exchange or investment, and when it is made reluctantly, the act itself becomes a burden to the giver.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.21?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.21 in daily life?
If you give expecting thanks, favours or publicity, notice the hidden bargain. Try giving once without any expectation and see how it feels.
Reflected on verse 17.21?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.