Bhagavad Gita · Verse 17.21
Chapter 17: Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः । दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥२१॥
yattu pratyupakārārthaṃ phalamuddiśya vā punaḥ | dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṃ taddānaṃ rājasaṃ smṛtam ||21||
Complete Shloka Translation
Giving offered for repayment or with a reward in view, or given reluctantly, is regarded as rajasic.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| प्रत्युपकार | pratyupakāra | repayment or return of a favor |
| फल | phala | fruit or result |
| यत्तु | yattu | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| प्रत्युपकारार्थं | pratyupakārārthaṃ | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| फलमुद्दिश्य | phalamuddiśya | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| वा | vā | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| पुनः | punaḥ | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| दीयते | dīyate | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| परिक्लिष्टं | ca | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| तद्दानं | parikliṣṭaṃ | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| राजसं | taddānaṃ | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| स्मृतम् | rājasaṃ | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
| २१ | smṛtam | [term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o... |
repayment or return of a favor
fruit or result
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
[term] in context of Giving offered for repayment o...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
A gift can become a transaction when repayment dominates its motive. Reluctance also changes the spirit of giving.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"What expectations accompany your generosity?"
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What expectations accompany your generosity?
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.