Swami Brahm Bodhi

Question
Revered Gurudev, pranam 🙏🙏
What kind of charity should a Bhagavad Dharma follower give?
What are the Gita’s thoughts on the different aspects of charity?

Answer

Charity is a deeply serious subject.
Why we give, what we give, how we give, and to whom we give—each of these is important, and the Bhagavad Gita offers clear guidance on all these aspects.

Charity is a value that elevates a person inwardly and makes the outer world happier and more harmonious. In the Gita, charity is not described merely as a social duty; it is presented as an essential part of inner purification and welfare of the world.
There are two fundamental reasons behind charity—one internal, the other external.

1. Why Give Charity: The Internal Reason

(a) Charity purifies the mind

Giving makes the mind pure.
The Gita says:

“Pāvanāni manīṣiṇām” — “Charity purifies the wise.” (18.5)

Thus, the first purpose of giving is to cleanse oneself inwardly.
The giver feels a quiet joy and contentment within.

(b) Charity promotes the welfare of all

The second reason is the welfare of others.
Throughout the Gita, Bhagavan emphasises “loka-saṅgraha” (holding society together),
“paropakāra” (doing good to others),
and “sarva-bhūta-hita” (the welfare of all beings)
as supportive of the path to liberation.

A true sage, Krishna says,
is one who remains devoted to the good of all beings:

“Sarvabhūta-hite ratāḥ” (5.25)

—Those who are calm, free of sin, and engaged in the welfare of all beings
attain brahma-nirvāṇa.

(c) Charity is meritorious

The Gita says:

“Vedeṣu yajñeṣu tapaḥsu chaiva
Dāneṣu yat puṇyaphalaṃ pradiṣṭam” (8.28)

Meaning:
“In the Vedas, in sacrifices, in austerities, and in charity—merit is gained.”
Thus, charity is inherently meritorious.

2. What Should One Give?

Charity means giving freely what brings good to the recipient.

Though financial charity is central—because money can meet many needs—
charity is not limited to money.

One may give:

• Money
• Food
• Clothes (especially blankets and warm clothing in winter)
• Books (to spread learning)
• Education
• Service
• Land
• Organ donation, eye donation, etc.

Everyone should give according to their capacity.

3. To Whom Should One Give? What Kind of Charity Is Supreme?

The Gita (Chapter 17) describes three kinds of charity:

(a) Sāttvika Charity

“Dātavyam iti yad dānaṃ dīyate ’nupakāriṇe…” (17.20)

—Charity given with the feeling, “It is my duty to give,”
at the right time, in the right place, to a worthy person,
and without expecting anything in return,
is sāttvika charity.

This is the best form of charity.

(b) Rājasa Charity

Charity given reluctantly, with discomfort,
or with the desire for reward or return—
is rājasa. (17.21)

(c) Tāmasa Charity

Charity given at the wrong time, in the wrong place,
to an undeserving person,
or given with disrespect—
is tāmasa. (17.22)

Among these, sāttvika charity is supreme.

4. A Special Ideal for Bhagavad Dharma Followers: Daily Charity

For Bhagavad Dharmis, there is a beautiful ideal—
to place a small amount of money every morning in a personal “charity box.”

Those who donate only once a month
miss the spiritual benefit of daily merit, daily del purification.
Thus, even a monthly amount should be divided into daily portions.

5. Setting Aside 10% of Monthly Income

A noble practice for Bhagavad Dharma followers is:

Set aside 10% of monthly income for charity.

• 5% for worthy recipients
• 5% for spreading the Bhagavad Gita

Why for the Gita?
Because Bhagavan declares in verse 18:69:

“He who spreads the knowledge of the Gita among sincere seekers
is exceedingly dear to Me;
and no one will ever become dearer than him.”

Thus, distributing copies of the Gita
and inspiring people to read it is among the highest forms of charity.

Brahm Bodhi