The careless gift

adeśakāle yaddānamapātrebhyaśca dīyateasatkṛtamavajñātaṃ tattāmasamudāhṛtam

A gift given at the wrong place and time, to the wrong people, without respect or with contempt, is called heavy.

What it means

Krishna describes tamasic giving. Wrong place, wrong time, careless about whether it helps. And worst of all, given without respect, even with contempt. Tossing a coin while refusing to look someone in the eye. The gift may be real, but the disrespect cancels much of its good.

The story

Duryodhana once fed sages lavishly while mocking them behind their backs. Krishna knows how contempt poisons even generosity.

In your life

Think of giving money to someone on the street without looking at them. Next time, make eye contact, say hello, and give with respect.