Bhagavad Gita · Verse 17.20
Chapter 17: Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे । देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥२०॥
dātavyamiti yaddānaṃ dīyate'nupakāriṇe | deśe kāle ca pātre ca taddānaṃ sāttvikaṃ smṛtam ||20||
Complete Shloka Translation
Giving offered because it ought to be given, to one who cannot repay, in a fitting place and time and to a suitable recipient, is sattvic.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| दान | dāna | giving |
| पात्र | pātra | suitable recipient |
| दातव्यमिति | dātavyamiti | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
| यद्दानं | yaddānaṃ | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
| दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे | dīyate'nupakāriṇe | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
| देशे | deśe | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
| काले | kāle | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
| पात्रे | ca | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
| तद्दानं | pātre | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
| सात्त्विकं | ca | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
| स्मृतम् | taddānaṃ | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
| २० | sāttvikaṃ | [term] in context of Giving offered because it ough... |
giving
suitable recipient
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
[term] in context of Giving offered because it ough...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Generosity combines discernment with freedom from repayment. Appropriate timing and a suitable recipient make the gift genuinely helpful.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Can you give thoughtfully without expecting anything back?"
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Can you give thoughtfully without expecting anything back?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.