Verse-22
Chapter 17 — Shraddhatreya Vibhag Yoga
Verse 22
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
adeśakāle yaddānamapātrebhyaśca dīyate
asatkṛtamavajñātaṁ tattāmasamudāhṛtam
🕉 English Translation
Bina deke hee desh aur kaal ko,
Useh daan de jo na adhikari ho.
Na aadar ho aur keh ke kadwe shabd,
Diyaa daan jo usko tamas samajh.
📜 Translation
English
The donation which is given without respect or disdainfully at an improper place and time, to an unworthy person, is called a tamasic offering.
Time, place and worthiness of the person to whom it is given has been given a special importance in the context of charity in the inspirations from the Gita. Though it is essential yet offering food to the hungry, water to the thirsty, to those without clothes, clothes being given as per their needs, medicine to the ailing etc.-for the compelling needs of life this consideration is not applicable. A hungry person may be someone somewhere at some time but for satiating his hunger no consideration is to be paid to time, place and eligibility. This is a usual and ordinary situation for giving donation. In special circumstances it is necessary to evaluate the importance, essence and nature of charity. In this regard, the tamoguni donation requires thought here.
Where cold weather never comes, to distribute warm blankets and clothes, knowing well that the person concerned will not give service to the cow and will sell it and that too without considering that he may further pass the cow onto wrong hands; offerings to the drunkard and the gambler which will be utilized by them for their bad habits. The summary of it all is that where and when an object is not required, it will be misused-in this form the donation is tamasic. Along with the offering, this state will bring about improper, disgraceful and opposite results-offerings are being given but disdainfully and using insulting words! One is giving at the same time insults which are also hurled. In the Gitaji such an attitude serves as a direct warning. Understand them with care and at least save yourself from this! Donation given in whatever manner is good, even then by thoughtfully understanding the distinction between the three types of charity and evaluating as to where the benefit lies in essence, should it be practiced.