Interpretation

Rajasic dana: giving in expectation of return (pratyupakarartha — expecting reciprocal benefit), giving with a desired result in mind (phalam uddiśya — wanting something specific in return), or giving reluctantly (pariklishtam — with pain, as if it costs the giver). This covers most conventional philanthropy: tax benefits, social reputation, networking, guilt-relief. The giver who gives reluctantly has not yet understood the joy of genuine giving. All three forms of rajasic giving keep the transaction frame intact — there is always the calculation of what comes back.