Bhagavad Gita · Verse 17.22
Chapter 17: Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते । असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥२२॥
adeśakāle yaddānamapātrebhyaśca dīyate | asatkṛtamavajñātaṃ tattāmasamudāhṛtam ||22||
Complete Shloka Translation
Giving offered at an unsuitable place or time, to unsuitable recipients, without respect and with contempt, is called tamasic.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अवज्ञा | avajñā | contempt |
| दान | dāna | giving |
| अदेशकाले | adeśakāle | [term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl... |
| यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च | yaddānamapātrebhyaśca | [term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl... |
| दीयते | dīyate | [term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl... |
| असत्कृतमवज्ञातं | asatkṛtamavajñātaṃ | [term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl... |
| तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् | tattāmasamudāhṛtam | [term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl... |
| २२ | tattāmasamudāhṛtam | [term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl... |
contempt
giving
[term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl...
[term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl...
[term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl...
[term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl...
[term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl...
[term] in context of Giving offered at an unsuitabl...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Careless giving may disregard both usefulness and dignity. Suitability concerns the gift's purpose, not the recipient's social superiority.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Does the way you help preserve the recipient's dignity?"
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Does the way you help preserve the recipient's dignity?
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.