Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 17 verse 21
Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga

Checking Your Motive · Honest Giving

यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः । दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥

yat tu pratyupakārārthaṁ phalam uddiśya vā punaḥ dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṁ tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smṛtam

Meaning

"But charity given reluctantly, with the hope of a return or in expectation of a reward, is considered to be in the mode of passion."

Explanation

It's worth being honest with yourself about why you're giving — is it truly free, or is some part of you quietly keeping score? Noticing the difference doesn't make you a bad person, it just invites more genuine generosity.

Today's Life Lesson

When you give something today, gently check your own motive — real generosity doesn't keep score.

More verses to reflect on