Sacrifice, charity and austerity-these three words have been used by the preacher of Gita in several ways on several occasions in the inspirations from the Gita. In the 17th chapter associating it with the three attributes an elaborate analysis of it has been presented. In fact this is the inimitable style of the Krishna of the Gita. The issue should become so clear that there should remain no doubt in anybody's mind-from this viewpoint associating the three attributes, the three main aspects of spirituality have been given as an open inspiration. In the preceding verses we have seen an extremely inspiring and thoughtful analysis of sacrifice and austerity. Now on the issue of charity a very straight and clear description is given.

All kinds of capabilities have been bestowed by the Lord. It is not the duty of the human being to consider it as one's own and engage in accumulation and utilize it for one's own happiness and indulgence. It is my duty to utilize the resources given by the Lord for the welfare of beings created by the Lord, in His name-such a spirit only is the real and satvic charity. To make rightful use of the resources is satvic charity! Charity should be given keeping in mind the place, time and the person. At the place and the time donating that which is required by the worthy person, to satisfy his need is the best charity. Special sacred and holy place, the charity given to the deserving person falls in the category of satvic charity. As that given at the time of the eclipse, at the sacred place of Kurukshetra, the deserving persons engaged in the recitation of the Vedas, Brahmins or charity given to any needy person in accordance with his need at that time.

Care also should be taken to ensure that there should be no desire for getting a return for the charity given. The Lord has bestowed it on me; I am distributing further taking it to be His, just this kind of an attitude! Not this feeling that what will I get in return for it or the one who has done a good turn to me, I too should make effort for him-not this attitude. If such a feeling develops then that charity will become rajasic.