Chapter 17 Verse 22
Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog
अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते।असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम्।।17.22।।
adeśha-kāle yad dānam apātrebhyaśh cha dīyate asat-kṛitam avajñātaṁ tat tāmasam udāhṛitam
Word Meanings
| adeśha | at the wrong place |
| kāle | at the wrong time |
| yat | which |
| dānam | charity |
| apātrebhyaḥ | to unworthy persons |
| cha | and |
| dīyate | is given |
| asat-kṛitam | without respect |
| avajñātam | with contempt |
| tat | that |
| tāmasam | of the nature of nescience |
| udāhṛitam | is held to be |
Translation
The gift that is given in the wrong place and at the wrong time, to unworthy persons, without respect or with insult, is declared to be of a Tamasic nature.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that charity given at the wrong time or place, to people who are not deserving, or given without respect or with insult, is considered tamasic — born of ignorance and darkness. The outer act of giving is not enough; how, when, and to whom you give matters.
Giving in a way that shames, enables harm, or wastes resources does not help the receiver or the giver. Such charity can foster dependency, harm dignity, or support wrong actions. Spiritually, true giving should lead to upliftment, not confusion or decay.
Hence, right action needs awareness and care. Compassion paired with wisdom and respect makes giving effective and spiritually healthy.
Life Application
- Check need and timing: give when it will actually help, not impulsively or where it will cause harm.
- Preserve dignity: offer help respectfully and privately; avoid actions that embarrass or insult.
- Be wise about outcomes: refuse or redirect support that enables harmful behavior; offer practical alternatives like guidance or resources.
Reflection Question
Was my last act of charity respectful and truly helpful to the other person?