Chapter 17 · Verse 20 of 28
The Yoga of the Division of Three Types of Faith
श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोग
Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Charitable giving is best when it is extended to a deserving recipient who has not rendered any service to the giver. When such acts of charity are performed at the right time and place, with a deep sense of duty and conviction, they are considered to be Noble (Sāttvic) acts of giving. (17:20)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे ।
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्॥
Word-by-word
दातव्यम् इति यत् दानम् दीयते अन्-उप-कारिणे,
देशे, काले च, पात्रे च— तत् दानम् सात्त्विकम् स्मृतम्।