Chapter 17 • Verse 21
यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः। दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम्॥
yat tu pratyupakārārthaṁ phalam uddiśhya vā punaḥ dīyate cha parikliṣhṭaṁ tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smṛitam
Meaning
But that gift which is given with expectation of return, or with a desire for fruit, or reluctantly — that is considered rajasic.
Rajasic giving expects something back — return favor, reward, or recognition. It may also be given reluctantly, with regret or resentment. The inner resistance or expectation pollutes the gift.
Strength Reflection
"I give without expecting return, reward, or recognition."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, purify my giving from all expectation and reluctance.