Bhagavad Gita 17.22

Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

The gift that is given at a wrong place and time, to unworthy persons, without respect or with insult is declared to be Tamasic.

Sanskrit

अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते | असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ||१७-२२||

Transliteration

adeśakāle yaddānamapātrebhyaśca dīyate . asatkṛtamavajñātaṃ tattāmasamudāhṛtam ||17-22||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the qualities of a gift that is considered 'Tamasic' or rooted in darkness and ignorance to Arjuna. He defines such charity as one given at an inappropriate time or place, offered without respect, insultingly, or to someone who does not deserve it. The core teaching emphasizes that the spirit behind an action matters more than the act itself; a gift done with arrogance or disregard negates any spiritual benefit.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse falls under the framework of Karma Yoga (the yoga of selfless action) by defining how actions are evaluated based on their quality. It develops the concept that all activities in the material world are influenced by one's nature, or 'Gunas'—specifically identifying how ignorance and arrogance degrade even righteous acts like charity.

Word by Word

अदेशकाले at a wrong place and time, यत् which, दानम् gift, अपात्रेभ्यः to unworthy persons, च and, दीयते is given, असत्कृतम् without respect, अवज्ञातम् with insult, तत् that, तामसम् Tamasic, उदाहृतम् is declared to be

Classical Commentary

Adesakale At a wrong place and time At a place which is not holy, where irreligious people congregate and where beggars assemble, where wealth acired through illegal means such as gambling, theft, etc., is distributed to gamblers, singers, fools, rogues, women of evil reputation and at a time which is not auspicious. But, this does not discourage giving alms or other charity to the poor and the needy. In their case these restrictions do not apply. Without respect, etc. Without pleasant speech, without the washing of feet or without worship, although the gift is made at a proper time and place. The donor does not give in good faith although he gets a worthy recipient. He never bends his head in worship. He does not offer him a seat. He treats him with contempt or disrespect. Lord Krishna says to Arjuna I have described that faith, charity, austerity, food, etc., are invariably coloured by the three alities. There was no desire on My part to refer to the lower ones but to distinguish the highest purity it was necessary to point out the mark of the other two. When the two are set aside, the third is more clearly appreciated in the same way as if day and night are removed the twilight is seen better. Even so be avoiding passion and darkness, the third, viz., purity or Sattva becomes vividly clear and purity which is the best can be easily realised. Thus in order to show thee the real nature of purity? I have described the other two, so that laying them aside, and resorting to the highest thou mayest attain the goal, viz.? Moksha.

Where This Happens

This teaching occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra during a moment where Krishna is guiding Arjuna through the nuances of spiritual practice. Having just explained that faith (shraddha) varies among people based on their nature, Krishna now details how different natures manifest in acts of charity. Arjuna, who has overcome his initial confusion about fighting and duty, listens as Krishna categorizes actions into Sattvic (pure), Rajasic (passionate), and Tamasic (ignorant).

Living It Out Today

Consider a manager at work who needs to give feedback or a bonus but chooses the wrong moment. If they hand out an award during a tense meeting while publicly criticizing the employee, or if they give money to someone known for gambling it away without any support plan, this is Tamasic behavior. The lesson is that even when performing good deeds like giving bonuses or advice, one must consider timing, respect, and the actual need of the recipient to ensure the action creates positive energy rather than resentment.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have a special cookie and you want to give it as a present. If you hand it over at midnight, throw it on the floor instead of in their hands, or say 'take this junk' while doing it, that is not really being kind, even if they get the cookie! This verse teaches us that giving something with love and respect makes the gift special, but giving it rudely or to someone who can't use it doesn't feel good for anyone.

Daily Reflection

When you give something out of habit or to impress others, it often feels heavy in spirit; true generosity flows effortlessly when offered with love and respect. Consider who is receiving your kindness today—is there space for dignity in how you offer? Let us transform our giving into an act that uplifts both the giver and receiver without any trace of contempt.

A Practice for Today

Before offering anything today, pause to check if your heart is filled with genuine respect for the recipient and the timing of the act. Let go of any expectation of return or display, ensuring your gift arises from a pure intention rather than duty alone.

Key Teachings

The Sanctity of Recipient
Charity is not merely about the object given but the worthiness of the one receiving it. Offering to those who are ungrateful or unworthy without discrimination becomes a negative force rather than spiritual growth.
The Importance of Timing and Place
Even a good deed loses its merit if delivered at an inopportune moment or in an unsuitable location. The context of the offering must align with the needs of the recipient to be truly beneficial.
The Role of Respect and Attitude
How a gift is given matters as much as what is given; insult or lack of reverence transforms charity into an act of darkness. True giving requires humility, where the giver honors the receiver without pride.

Themes

CharityDutyIgnoranceEthicsRespectSelf-Improvement

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 9.26 18.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better not to give anything at all if the timing is bad?

Krishna suggests that one should wait for a more appropriate time rather than force an action with disrespect. The value of charity lies in the purity of intention and conduct; doing something poorly often causes harm or resentment, so patience is preferred over performing a Tamasic act.

What does 'apatrebhyah' (to unworthy persons) actually mean?

This refers to individuals who are not in genuine need of help due to their own laziness, those who will misuse the gift for harmful purposes, or people who have no respect for the giver. It implies that charity should be directed towards those who can use it wisely and with gratitude.

How does this verse connect to the concept of Karma?

The verse focuses on the quality of the act itself, including whether respect was shown. If the manner of giving is perceived as insulting or careless by the recipient due to poor timing or attitude, it carries a Tamasic nature regardless of internal intent, though one should strive for mindfulness in future actions.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 17.22 →