Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 17 Sraddha Traya Vibhaga Yogah

Sraddha Traya Vibhaga Yogah - The threefold divine expression "Om Tat Sat" was used to indicate the Absolute Truth, and by this, priests, scriptures, and sacrifices were established in the past.

ॐ तत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविध: स्मृत: |
ब्राह्मणास्तेन वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च विहिता: पुरा ||23||

The threefold divine expression "Om Tat Sat" was used to indicate the Absolute Truth, and by this, priests, scriptures, and sacrifices were established in the past.

Om Tat Sat: Sacred sounds representing the Absolute Truth.
Brahmana: The priestly class associated with knowledge.
Veda: Ancient scriptures containing divine knowledge.

The sacred syllables "Om Tat Sat" hold deep significance, symbolizing divine truth. Krishna now shifts to the metaphysical aspect of offerings, suggesting that true spiritual acts are connected to these eternal principles, reinforcing their transcendental importance.

Bookmark removed

Sraddha Traya Vibhaga Yogah - Therefore, acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity prescribed by scripture are always begun with the utterance of "Om" by seekers of the Supreme.

तस्माद् ॐ इत्युदाहृत्य यज्ञदानतप:क्रिया: |
प्रवर्तन्ते विधानोक्ता: सततं ब्रह्मवादिनाम् ||24||

Therefore, acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity prescribed by scripture are always begun with the utterance of "Om" by seekers of the Supreme.

Yajna Dana Tapa: Sacrifice, charity, and austerity.
Brahma Vadina: Seekers of the ultimate truth.
Om: The primordial sound symbolizing the universe.

By invoking "Om," righteous acts such as sacrifice, charity, and austerity align with higher consciousness. Krishna’s teaching stresses that intention and divine remembrance transform ordinary deeds into spiritual offerings.

Bookmark removed

Sraddha Traya Vibhaga Yogah - Sacrifice, austerity, and charity performed without desire for rewards, but for spiritual liberation, are done with the utterance of "Tat".

तदित्यनभिसन्धाय फलं यज्ञतप:क्रिया: |
दानक्रियाश्च विविधा: क्रियन्ते मोक्षकाङ्क्षिभि: ||25||

Sacrifice, austerity, and charity performed without desire for rewards, but for spiritual liberation, are done with the utterance of "Tat".

Tad: A principle representing detachment.
Moksha-Kankshi: A person desiring liberation.
Yajna-Tapa-Kriya: Ritualistic activities aimed at spiritual growth.

The syllable "Tat" signifies detachment from rewards, reinforcing that true spiritual practice must transcend selfish desires. Krishna’s words clarify that the highest form of giving and discipline is that which expects nothing in return.

Bookmark removed

सद्भावे साधुभावे च सदित्येतत्प्रयुज्यते |
प्रशस्ते कर्मणि तथा सच्छब्द: पार्थ युज्यते ||26||

The word "Sat" denotes truth and goodness and is used to express reality, auspicious actions, and noble deeds.

Sat Bhava: State of truth and goodness.
Sadhu Bhava: Virtuous and noble nature.
Sacchabdah: The use of the word Sat to signify truth.

"Sat" represents truth and righteousness, marking the culmination of Krishna’s discourse on spiritual acts. He reaffirms that noble deeds, when infused with sincerity, align with eternal principles.

Bookmark removed

यज्ञे तपसि दाने च स्थिति: सदिति चोच्यते |
कर्म चैव तदर्थीयं सदित्येवाभिधीयते ||27||

The word "Sat" is also used for sacrifice, austerity, and charity that is performed in a steadfast manner.

Yajne Tapa Dane: Steadfastness in sacrifice, charity, and austerity.
Sad Iti: Denotes the eternal existence of goodness.
Sat-Karma: Righteous or noble actions.

Krishna emphasizes that steadfastness in yajna, tapas, and dana is possible only when one’s actions are anchored in truth. His teachings highlight that real commitment to dharma requires unwavering sincerity and faith.

Bookmark removed

Sraddha Traya Vibhaga Yogah - Whatever is done without faith—whether it be sacrifice, charity, or austerity—is considered "Asat" (unreal) and is of no benefit here or hereafter.

अश्रद्धया हुतं दत्तं तपस्तप्तं कृतं च यत् |
असदित्युच्यते पार्थ न च तत्प्रेत्य नो इह ||28||

Whatever is done without faith—whether it be sacrifice, charity, or austerity—is considered "Asat" (unreal) and is of no benefit here or hereafter.

Ashraddhaya: Actions performed without faith.
Asad: That which is unreal or ineffective.
Pretya No Iha: Of no benefit in this world or the next.

Krishna concludes by cautioning against faithless actions. Sacrifices, penances, and charity devoid of sincerity are ultimately futile, reinforcing the core message of the Gita—that true spirituality is about intention and purity, not mere outward ritual.

Bookmark removed

Chapter 18