Item 4 in Bhagavad Gita's Twenty-Six Divine Qualities

Charity

Share resources responsibly for the benefit of others.

Position
4
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Readers and practitioners cultivating disciplined and liberating character
Last reviewed
28 June 2027

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Dāna

Original term: Dāna

Transliteration: Dāna

Source wording

<p>Share resources responsibly for the benefit of others.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Share resources responsibly for the benefit of others.

Broader interpretation

Share resources responsibly for the benefit of others.

Historical context

This principle belongs to Bhagavad Gita's Twenty-Six Divine Qualities and must be read within that framework's setting.

Practical meaning

Share resources responsibly for the benefit of others.

Ethical purpose

Share resources responsibly for the benefit of others.

Exceptions and disputes

Translation and application vary; each quality should be applied with evidence, proportionality and attention to competing duties.

Variations across schools or traditions

Translations divide and render several Sanskrit terms differently; this catalogue follows the standard twenty-six-term enumeration.

Modern application

Share resources responsibly for the benefit of others. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.

Criticism and difficult cases

Translation and application vary; each quality should be applied with evidence, proportionality and attention to competing duties.

Truth By Reason analysis

Share resources responsibly for the benefit of others. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

  • Charity
  • Social responsibility

Sources