Bhagavadgita Chapter-16

TEXT 21

yat tu pratyupakarartham
phalam uddisya va punah
diyate ca pariklistam
tad danam rajasam smrtam

SYNONYMS yat--that which; tu--but; prati-upakara-artham--for the sake of getting some return; phalam--result; uddisya--desiring; va--or; punah--again; diyate--is given in charity; ca--also; pariklistam--grudgingly; tat--that; danam--charity; rajasam--in the mode of passion; smrtam--is understood to be.

TRANSLATION

But charity performed with the expectation of some return, or with a desire for fruitive results, or in a grudging mood, is said to be charity in the mode of passion.

PURPORT

Charity is sometimes performed for elevation to the heavenly kingdom and sometimes with great trouble and with repentance afterwards. "Why have I spent so much in this way?" Charity is also sometimes made under some obligation, at the request of a superior. These kinds of charity are said to be made in the mode of passion.

There are many charitable foundations which offer their gifts to institutions where sense gratification goes on. Such charities are not recommended in the Vedic scripture. Only charity in the mode of goodness is recommended.