Monday, October 17, 2005

Giving Simply Because It Is Right to Give

Giving simply because it is right to give, without thought of return, at a proper time, in proper circumstances, and to a worthy person, is sattvic giving. Giving with regrets or in the expectation of receiving some favor or of getting something in return is rajasic. Giving at an inappropriate time, in inappropriate circumstances, and to an unworthy person, without affection or respect, is tamasic.

-Bhagavad Gita 17:20-22
Excerpted from The Bhagavad Gita, translated by Eknath Easwaran, 1985. Nilgiri Press, www.nilgiri.org.

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