Chapter 17 • Verse 20
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे। देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्॥
dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate 'nupakāriṇe deśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam
Meaning
That gift which is given with the thought 'it is one's duty to give,' to a worthy person who can give nothing in return, at the right place and time — that is considered sattvic.
Sattvic giving: done from duty, to those who cannot repay, at appropriate time and place, to worthy recipients. It expects nothing in return — neither material reward nor even gratitude. Pure giving.
Strength Reflection
"I give from duty to worthy recipients who cannot return the favor."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, let my giving be pure — duty-based, selfless, appropriate.