Daanam

To understand the correct essence of Gita and other Vedantic scriptures, the teachings of a competent Guru is required.

After the maturity of mind (ChittaSudhhi) is increased from Karma yoga (simple definition of Karma yoga is, to do our daily activities based on dharma without questioning the results); the next step up the spiritual ladder is Shravanam. I have dealt with Shravanam in one of the earlier blogs - Shravanam simply put is the "Systematic and consistent study of vedantic scriptures (for a lengthy period of time) under the guidance of a competent Guru". 

To get a good Guru is one of the biggest blessings in this time and age, as in today's world there are so many fake ones.

Having said that, the 17th chapter of the Gita is something that we can read and comprehend without much difficulty. And unlike other chapters, the chances of mis-interpreting these slokas are minimal.

This chapter is not just the easiest to follow, it is one of the significant ones that can be applied to practice in everyday life. It deals with Yagna (sacrifice), Tapas (austerity) and Daana (charity) in a manner that can be adopted in daily lives.

Just a couple of them for illustrating the significance of these slokas, slokas 8 to 22 have many more such messages.

This one below depicts the austerity of speech (Vak Tapas)

anudvega-karam vakyam
satyam priya-hitam ca yat
svadhyayabhyasanam caiva
van-mayam tapa ucyate

Austerity of speech consists in speaking words that are truthful, pleasing, beneficial, and not agitating to others, and also in regularly reciting scriptures.

It's interesting to note that Satyam (Truth of speech) has been given a higher order than Priyam (Pleasingness of speech). I find this useful particularly when you are faced in a situation (at office most probably) where you need to convey a truth that is not so pleasing!

datavyam iti yad danam
diyate 'nupakarine
dese kale ca patre ca
tad danam sattvikam smrtam

Daanam (Charity) given without expectation of any returns, at the proper time and place, and to a worthy person is considered to be Saatvik - the highest form of goodness.

yat tu Pratyupakarartham

phalam uddisya va punah

diyate ca pariklistam

tad danam rajasam smrtam

Charity performed with the expectation of some return (such as Punya or heaven), or with a desire for fruitive results, or in a grudging mood, is said to be charity to be Raajasik or mode of passion.

And to conclude the third form of Charity (Tamasik or mode of ignorance) is where charity is performed out of fear or force without giving proper attention to the worthiness of person, time and place.

To note here, Tamasik Charity is good enough and is much better than No Charity at all !

However good enough is not as good as Best- hence we should strive for Saatvikness in all our deeds including Charity.

Cheers