Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 17 verse 22
Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga

The Quality of Giving · How You Give Matters Too

अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते । असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥

adeśa-kāle yad dānam apātrebhyaś ca dīyate asat-kṛtam avajñātaṁ tat tāmasam udāhṛtam

Meaning

"Charity given at the wrong place or time, to unworthy recipients, without respect or with contempt, is said to be tamasic."

Explanation

Even generosity has a quality to it — giving thoughtlessly or with contempt can undo much of the good the gift itself might have done.

Today's Life Lesson

When you give something today — time, money, or help — give it with genuine respect, not as an afterthought.

More verses to reflect on