Gyaneshwari -Sant Gyaneshwar
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Chapter-17
Three Kinds of Faith
21. But that which is given grudgingly in order to get a favour in return or with the hope of a reward – that charity is known to be of rajas quality. Just as one feeds the cow for its milk, or sows the seed after constructing a grain-cellar to store the grain (281-285) or invites relations to a function in order to get presents, or gives presents to a married woman who has taken a religious vow (not to accept such presents) or to lend money after recovering interest in advance, or charges a fee from a patient before treating him, so charity is given with a view to gain some advantage. Charity of this type is rajasic charity. If one meets an itinerant deserving Brahmin on his way and has no hope of receiving anything in return, he gives him a pice (a small coin) in charity and makes him pray for the atonement of the sins, not only of himself but also of the members of his family (286-290), or he gives gifts to a Brahmin expecting the reward of enjoyments in heaven. But the gifts given are so scanty that they are hardly enough for a single meal, and when the donee leaves with that paltry gift, he thinks that he has sustained a loss and feels as though he has been cheated of all his possessions. O wise Arjuna, know that this charity given with this mental attitude, is rajasic charity. |
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