Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 16 verse 15
Chapter 16 · Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga

Hollow Generosity · The Intention Behind the Act

आढ्योऽभिजनवानस्मि कोऽन्योऽस्ति सदृशो मया । यक्ष्ये दास्यामि मोदिष्य इत्यज्ञानविमोहिताः ॥

āḍhyo 'bhijanavān asmi ko 'nyo 'sti sadṛśo mayā yakṣye dāsyāmi modiṣya ity ajñāna-vimohitāḥ

Meaning

"I am rich and well-born; who else is equal to me? I shall sacrifice, I shall give, I shall rejoice — thus they are deluded by ignorance."

Explanation

Even generosity and ritual can become hollow when they're really just performances for an inflated sense of self — the intention behind an act matters as much as the act itself.

Today's Life Lesson

Before doing a good deed today, check your own intention — is it genuine care, or a quiet performance for others?

More verses to reflect on