Verse 17.20

दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे।देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम्।।17.20।।

dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ‘nupakāriṇe deśhe kāle cha pātre cha tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛitam

Meaning

Giving something to someone who ain't gonna give you nothin' back, but it's the right thing to do, at the right time, and to the right person? That's a total sattvic move.

Commentary

Yo, so like, the gift's gotta be given to someone who can't, like, totally pay you back, you know? It's all about the vibes, the place has to be, like, totally blessed – think Kurukshetra, Varanasi, or some other super sacred spot. And the timing? It's gotta be on point – a solar or lunar eclipse, or some other major auspicious occasion. The person getting the gift? They gotta be legit – a total guru, super pious, knows their scriptures, can protect themselves and you, etc. It's all about giving to someone who's, like, the epitome of purity and good vibes. And don't go bragging about it, bro.