The grudging gift

yattu pratyupakārārthaṃ phalamuddiśya vā punaḥdīyate ca parikliṣṭaṃ taddānaṃ rājasaṃ smṛtam

A gift given to get something back, with an eye on the reward, or given grudgingly, is called restless.

What it means

Krishna describes rajasic giving. Giving to get something back. Giving for a reward. Or giving with a grudge, parikleshtam, as if it hurts to let go. It still helps someone. But the giver stays tense and keeps score, and the gift carries that tension with it.

The story

Arjuna has seen nobles give to the poor while sighing about the cost. Krishna notices the heaviness in such gifts.

In your life

Think of chipping in for a colleague's leaving present while grumbling about the price. If you give this week, give gladly, or give smaller and mean it.