Sraddhatraya-Vibhaga Yoga

Śloka 17.1

Sanskrit
अर्जुन उवाच |
ये शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विताः |
तेषां निष्ठा तु का कृष्ण सत्त्वमाहो रजस्तमः || १ ||

Transliteration
arjuna uvāca |
ye śāstra-vidhim utsṛjya yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ |
teṣāṁ niṣṭhā tu kā kṛṣṇa sattvam āho rajas tamaḥ ||

English Translation
Arjuna said: Those who, setting aside the injunctions of scripture, perform sacrifices with faith—what is their position, O Krishna? Is it sattva, rajas, or tamas?

Explanation
Arjuna begins Chapter 17, addressing "kṛṣṇa": "ye śāstra-vidhim utsṛjya" (those setting aside scripture’s injunctions), "yajante śraddhayā-anvitāḥ" (perform sacrifices with faith), "teṣām niṣṭhā tu kā" (what is their position), "sattvam āho rajas tamaḥ" (sattva, rajas, or tamas?). He asks about the nature of faith-driven acts outside scriptural rules, linking them to the guṇas.

Key Concepts
Arjuna questions unscripted faith.
Guṇas frame the inquiry.

Śloka 17.2

Sanskrit
श्रीभगवानुवाच |
त्रिविधा भवति श्रद्धा देहिनां सा स्वभावजा |
सात्त्विकी राजसी चैव तामसी चेति तां शृणु || २ ||

Transliteration
śrī-bhagavān uvāca |
trividhā bhavati śraddhā dehināṁ sā svabhāvajā |
sāttvikī rājasī caiva tāmasī ceti tāṁ śṛṇu ||

English Translation
The Blessed Lord said: Threefold is the faith of embodied beings, born of their nature—sattvic, rajasic, and tamasic; hear about it.

Explanation
Krishna ("śrī-bhagavān") responds: "trividhā bhavati śraddhā" (threefold is faith), "dehinām sā svabhāvajā" (of embodied, born of nature), "sāttvikī rājasī ca eva tāmasī ca" (sattvic, rajasic, tamasic), "iti tām śṛṇu" (hear about it). Faith reflects one’s inherent guṇa, shaping actions and beliefs.

Key Concepts
Faith varies by guṇa.
Nature dictates its type.

Śloka 17.3

Sanskrit
सत्त्वानुरूपा सर्वस्य श्रद्धा भवति भारत |
श्रद्धामयोऽयं पुरुषो यो यच्छ्रद्धः स एव सः || ३ ||

Transliteration
sattvānurūpā sarvasya śraddhā bhavati bhārata |
śraddhā-mayo’yaṁ puruṣo yo yac-chraddhaḥ sa eva saḥ ||

English Translation
The faith of each accords with his nature, O Bharata; this person is made of faith—whatever his faith, that indeed he is.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "bhārata," says: "sattva-anurūpā śraddhā bhavati" (faith accords with nature), "sarvasya" (of each), "śraddhā-mayaḥ ayam puruṣaḥ" (this person is made of faith), "yaḥ yat-śraddhaḥ saḥ eva saḥ" (whatever his faith, that he is). A person’s essence and destiny reflect their faith, rooted in their guṇa.

Key Concepts
Faith mirrors inner nature.
Man is his faith.

Śloka 17.4

Sanskrit
यजन्ते सात्त्विका देवान्यक्षरक्षांसि राजसाः |
प्रेतान्भूतगणांश्चान्ये यजन्ते तामसा जनाः || ४ ||

Transliteration
yajante sāttvikā devān yakṣa-rakṣāṁsi rājasāḥ |
pretān bhūta-gaṇāṁś cānye yajante tāmasā janāḥ ||

English Translation
Sattvic people worship the gods, rajasic ones worship Yakshas and Rakshasas, and others, the tamasic, worship ghosts and spirits.

Explanation
Krishna delineates: "sāttvikāḥ yajante devān" (sattvic worship gods), "rājasāḥ yakṣa-rakṣāṁsi" (rajasic Yakshas, Rakshasas), "anye tāmasāḥ janāḥ" (others, tamasic people), "yajante pretān bhūta-gaṇān ca" (worship ghosts, spirits). Faith’s object reflects the guṇa—sattva seeks divine, rajas power, tamas the base or occult.

Key Concepts
Worship reflects guṇa.
Objects match faith’s nature.

Śloka 17.5

Sanskrit
अशास्त्रविहितं घोरं तप्यन्ते ये तपो जनाः |
दम्भाहङ्कारसंयुक्ताः कामरागबलान्विताः || ५ ||

Transliteration
aśāstra-vihitaṁ ghoraṁ tapyante ye tapo janāḥ |
dambhāhaṅkāra-saṁyuktāḥ kāma-rāga-balānvitāḥ ||

English Translation
Those people who perform severe austerities not prescribed by scripture, united with hypocrisy and ego, driven by the force of desire and passion—

Explanation
Krishna describes: "ye janāḥ tapyante tapaḥ" (those who perform austerities), "aśāstra-vihitam ghoraṁ" (not prescribed by scripture, severe), "dambha-ahaṅkāra-saṁyuktāḥ" (with hypocrisy, ego), "kāma-rāga-bala-anvitāḥ" (driven by desire, passion). Such unscripted, ego-driven penance deviates from true spiritual practice.

Key Concepts
Unscripted austerity is flawed.
Ego and desire taint it.

Śloka 17.6

Sanskrit
कर्षयन्तः शरीरस्थं भूतग्राममचेतसः |
मां चैवान्तःशरीरस्थं तान्विद्ध्यासुरनिश्चयान् || ६ ||

Transliteration
karṣayantaḥ śarīra-sthaṁ bhūta-grāmam acetasaḥ |
māṁ caivāntaḥ-śarīra-sthaṁ tān viddhy āsura-niścayān ||

English Translation
Tormenting the aggregate of elements in the body, senseless ones, and Me too within the body—know them to be of demonic resolve.

Explanation
Krishna continues: "karṣayantaḥ bhūta-grāmam" (tormenting aggregate of elements), "śarīra-stham" (in body), "acetasaḥ" (senseless), "mām ca eva antaḥ-śarīra-stham" (and Me within body), "tān viddhi āsura-niścayān" (know them of demonic resolve). Such harsh acts harm both body and Krishna within, marking demonic intent.

Key Concepts
Senseless austerity harms self, God.
It’s demonic in nature.

Śloka 17.7

Sanskrit
आहारस्त्वपि सर्वस्य त्रिविधो भवति प्रियः |
यज्ञस्तपस्तथा दानं तेषां भेदमिमं शृणु || ७ ||

Transliteration
āhāras tv api sarvasya trividho bhavati priyaḥ |
yajñas tapas tathā dānaṁ teṣāṁ bhedam imam śṛṇu ||

English Translation
Even the food preferred by all is threefold, as are sacrifice, austerity, and charity; hear now this distinction among them.

Explanation
Krishna shifts focus: "āhāraḥ tu api sarvasya" (even food of all), "trividhaḥ bhavati priyaḥ" (is threefold preferred), "yajñaḥ tapaḥ tathā dānam" (sacrifice, austerity, charity), "teṣām bhedam imam śṛṇu" (hear this distinction). He introduces how guṇas influence food, rituals, and giving, promising further explanation.

Key Concepts
Guṇas shape preferences.
Distinctions follow threefold faith.

Śloka 17.8

Sanskrit
आयुःसत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धनाः |
रस्याः स्निग्धाः स्थिरा हृद्या आहाराः सात्त्विकप्रियाः || ८ ||

Transliteration
āyuḥ-sattva-balārogya-sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥ |
rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hṛdyā āhārāḥ sāttvika-priyāḥ ||

English Translation
Foods that promote longevity, vitality, strength, health, happiness, and satisfaction, juicy, succulent, substantial, and pleasing—these are dear to the sattvic.

Explanation
Krishna describes: "āyuḥ-sattva-bala-ārogya" (longevity, vitality, strength, health), "sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥ" (promoting happiness, satisfaction), "rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirāḥ hṛdyāḥ" (juicy, succulent, substantial, pleasing), "āhārāḥ sāttvika-priyāḥ" (foods dear to sattvic). Sattvic people favor nourishing, wholesome foods enhancing well-being.

Key Concepts
Sattvic food uplifts body, mind.
It’s wholesome and pleasing.

Śloka 17.9

Sanskrit
कट्वम्ललवणात्युष्णतीक्ष्णरूक्षविदाहिनः |
आहारा राजसस्येष्टा दुःखशोकामयप्रदाः || ९ ||

Transliteration
kaṭv-amla-lavaṇa-aty-uṣṇa-tīkṣṇa-rūkṣa-vidāhinaḥ |
āhārā rājasasyeṣṭā duḥkha-śokāmaya-pradāḥ ||

English Translation
Foods that are bitter, sour, salty, excessively hot, pungent, dry, and burning, causing pain, sorrow, and disease—these are desired by the rajasic.

Explanation
Krishna says: "kaṭu-amla-lavaṇa-ati-uṣṇa" (bitter, sour, salty, excessively hot), "tīkṣṇa-rūkṣa-vidāhinaḥ" (pungent, dry, burning), "āhārāḥ rājasasya iṣṭāḥ" (foods desired by rajasic), "duḥkha-śoka-āmaya-pradāḥ" (causing pain, sorrow, disease). Rajasic people crave intense, stimulating foods that disrupt peace and health.

Key Concepts
Rajasic food excites, harms.
It reflects restless passion.

Śloka 17.10

Sanskrit
यातयामं गतरसं पूति पर्युषितं च यत् |
उच्छिष्टमपि चामेध्यं भोजनं तामसप्रियम् || १० ||

Transliteration
yāta-yāmaṁ gata-rasaṁ pūti paryuṣitaṁ ca yat |
ucchiṣṭam api cāmedhyaṁ bhojanaṁ tāmasa-priyam ||

English Translation
Food that is stale, tasteless, putrid, leftover, and impure, even refuse—this is dear to the tamasic.

Explanation
Krishna describes: "yāta-yāmam gata-rasam" (stale, tasteless), "pūti paryuṣitam ca yat" (putrid, leftover), "ucchiṣṭam api ca amedhyam" (refuse, impure), "bhojanam tāmasa-priyam" (food dear to tamasic). Tamasic people prefer degraded, unclean food, reflecting their ignorance and inertia.

Key Concepts
Tamasic food is degraded.
It suits ignorant nature.

Śloka 17.11

Sanskrit
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते |
यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः || ११ ||

Transliteration
aphalākāṅkṣibhir yajño vidhi-dṛṣṭo ya ijyate |
yaṣṭavyam eveti manaḥ samādhāya sa sāttvikaḥ ||

English Translation
The sacrifice performed by those desiring no fruit, as prescribed by scripture, with the mind focused on “this must be done”—that is sattvic.

Explanation
Krishna describes: "aphalākāṅkṣibhiḥ" (by those desiring no fruit), "yajñaḥ vidhi-dṛṣṭaḥ yaḥ ijyate" (sacrifice prescribed by scripture performed), "yaṣṭavyam eva iti manaḥ samādhāya" (mind focused on ‘this must be done’), "saḥ sāttvikaḥ" (that is sattvic). Sattvic sacrifice is selfless, dutiful, and aligned with śāstra, free of personal gain.

Key Concepts
Sattvic sacrifice seeks no reward.
Duty drives its purity.

Śloka 17.12

Sanskrit
अभिसंधाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत् |
इज्यते भरतश्रेष्ठ तं यज्ञं विद्धि राजसम् || १२ ||

Transliteration
abhisandhāya tu phalaṁ dambhārtham api caiva yat |
ijyate bharata-śreṣṭha taṁ yajñaṁ viddhi rājasam ||

English Translation
But the sacrifice performed with intent for fruit, and also for the sake of ostentation, O best of Bharatas, know that to be rajasic.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "bharata-śreṣṭha," says: "abhisandhāya tu phalam" (with intent for fruit), "dambha-artham api ca eva yat" (and for ostentation), "ijyate" (performed), "tam yajñam viddhi rājasam" (know that sacrifice as rajasic). Rajasic sacrifice is motivated by reward and display, not pure devotion.

Key Concepts
Rajasic sacrifice craves gain, show.
Passion taints its intent.

Śloka 17.13

Sanskrit
विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम् |
श्रद्धाविरहितं यज्ञं तामसं परिचक्षते || १३ ||

Transliteration
vidhi-hīnam asṛṣṭānnaṁ mantra-hīnam adakṣiṇam |
śraddhā-virahitaṁ yajñaṁ tāmasaṁ paricakṣate ||

English Translation
A sacrifice lacking scriptural rule, food offering, mantras, gifts, and faith—they call that tamasic.

Explanation
Krishna says: "vidhi-hīnam" (lacking scriptural rule), "asṛṣṭānnam" (no food offering), "mantra-hīnam adakṣiṇam" (without mantras, gifts), "śraddhā-virahitam" (lacking faith), "yajñam tāmasam paricakṣate" (they call that sacrifice tamasic). Tamasic sacrifice ignores tradition, generosity, and faith, marked by negligence.

Key Concepts
Tamasic sacrifice lacks essence.
Ignorance defines its flaws.

Śloka 17.14

Sanskrit
देवद्विजगुरुप्राज्ञपूजनं शौचमार्जवम् |
ब्रह्मचर्यमहिंसा च शारीरं तप उच्यते || १४ ||

Transliteration
deva-dvija-guru-prājña-pūjanaṁ śaucam ārjavam |
brahmacaryam ahiṁsā ca śārīraṁ tapa ucyate ||

English Translation
Worship of gods, twice-born, teachers, and the wise, purity, sincerity, celibacy, and non-violence—this is called bodily austerity.

Explanation
Krishna defines: "deva-dvija-guru-prājña-pūjanam" (worship of gods, twice-born, teachers, wise), "śaucam ārjavam" (purity, sincerity), "brahmacaryam ahiṁsā ca" (celibacy, non-violence), "śārīram tapaḥ ucyate" (called bodily austerity). Physical tapas involves reverence, purity, and restraint, aligning with divine discipline.

Key Concepts
Bodily austerity honors, purifies.
It’s rooted in virtue.

Śloka 17.15

Sanskrit
अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत् |
स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते || १५ ||

Transliteration
anudvega-karaṁ vākyaṁ satyaṁ priya-hitaṁ ca yat |
svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ caiva vāṅmayaṁ tapa ucyate ||

English Translation
Speech that causes no agitation, is truthful, pleasing, and beneficial, and the practice of self-study—this is called austerity of speech.

Explanation
Krishna says: "anudvega-karam vākyam" (speech causing no agitation), "satyam priya-hitam ca yat" (truthful, pleasing, beneficial), "svādhyāya-abhyasanam ca eva" (and practice of self-study), "vāṅmayam tapaḥ ucyate" (called austerity of speech). Verbal tapas balances truth with kindness and includes scriptural study.

Key Concepts
Speech austerity is gentle, true.
Study enhances its power.

Śloka 17.16

Sanskrit
मनः प्रसादः सौम्यत्वं मौनमात्मविनिग्रहः |
भावसंशुद्धिरित्येतत्तपो मानसमुच्यते || १६ ||

Transliteration
manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ |
bhāva-saṁśuddhir ity etat tapo mānasam ucyate ||

English Translation
Serenity of mind, gentleness, silence, self-control, and purity of intent—this is called mental austerity.

Explanation
Krishna defines: "manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvam" (serenity, gentleness of mind), "maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ" (silence, self-control), "bhāva-saṁśuddhiḥ" (purity of intent), "iti etat tapo mānasam ucyate" (this called mental austerity). Mental tapas purifies thought and emotion, fostering inner peace and discipline.

Key Concepts
Mental austerity calms, purifies.
It masters the mind.

Śloka 17.17

Sanskrit
श्रद्धया परया तप्तं तपस्तत्त्रिविधं नरैः |
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्युक्तैः सात्त्विकं परिचक्षते || १७ ||

Transliteration
śraddhayā parayā taptaṁ tapas tat trividhaṁ naraiḥ |
aphalākāṅkṣibhir yuktaiḥ sāttvikaṁ paricakṣate ||

English Translation
This threefold austerity, performed with supreme faith by men desiring no fruit, steadfast—they call it sattvic.

Explanation
Krishna says: "śraddhayā parayā taptaṁ" (performed with supreme faith), "tat trividham tapaḥ" (that threefold austerity—body, speech, mind), "naraiḥ aphalākāṅkṣibhiḥ yuktaiḥ" (by men desiring no fruit, steadfast), "sāttvikam paricakṣate" (they call sattvic). Sattvic tapas is selfless, faithful, and disciplined across all levels.

Key Concepts
Sattvic austerity is selfless.
Faith drives its purity.

Śloka 17.18

Sanskrit
सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत् |
क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम् || १८ ||

Transliteration
satkāra-māna-pūjārthaṁ tapo dambhena caiva yat |
kriyate tad iha proktaṁ rājasam calam adhruvam ||

English Translation
Austerity performed with hypocrisy for the sake of respect, honor, and worship is said here to be rajasic, unstable, and uncertain.

Explanation
Krishna describes: "satkāra-māna-pūja-artham" (for respect, honor, worship), "tapaḥ dambhena ca eva yat" (austerity with hypocrisy), "kriyate" (performed), "tat iha proktam rājasam" (said here to be rajasic), "calam adhruvam" (unstable, uncertain). Rajasic tapas seeks recognition, lacking lasting value or steadiness.

Key Concepts
Rajasic austerity craves acclaim.
It’s fleeting, unsteady.

Śloka 17.19

Sanskrit
मूढग्राहेणात्मनो यत्पीडया क्रियते तपः |
परस्योत्सादनार्थं वा तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् || १९ ||

Transliteration
mūḍha-grāheṇātmano yat pīḍayā kriyate tapaḥ |
parasyotsādanārthaṁ vā tat tāmasam udāhṛtam ||

English Translation
Austerity performed with deluded stubbornness, by self-torture, or to harm another—that is declared tamasic.

Explanation
Krishna says: "mūḍha-grāheṇa" (with deluded stubbornness), "ātmanaḥ pīḍayā" (by self-torture), "yat tapaḥ kriyate" (austerity performed), "parasya utsādana-artham vā" (or to harm another), "tat tāmasam udāhṛtam" (that declared tamasic). Tamasic tapas is irrational, destructive, and rooted in ignorance.

Key Concepts
Tamasic austerity harms self, others.
Delusion drives its darkness.

Śloka 17.20

Sanskrit
दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे |
देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् || २० ||

Transliteration
dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate’nupakāriṇe |
deśe kāle ca pātre ca tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smṛtam ||

English Translation
That gift given with the thought “it must be given,” to one who cannot repay, in the right place, time, and to a worthy recipient—that charity is considered sattvic.

Explanation
Krishna defines: "dātavyam iti yat dānam" (gift with thought ‘must be given’), "dīyate anupakāriṇe" (given to one who cannot repay), "deśe kāle ca pātre ca" (in right place, time, to worthy recipient), "tat dānam sāttvikam smṛtam" (that charity considered sattvic). Sattvic giving is selfless, timely, and apt.

Key Concepts
Sattvic charity is selfless, fitting.
It seeks no return.

Śloka 17.21

Sanskrit
यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः |
दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् || २१ ||

Transliteration
yat tu pratyupakārārthaṁ phalam uddiśya vā punaḥ |
dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṁ tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smṛtam ||

English Translation
But that gift given for the sake of a return favor, or again aiming at fruit, and with reluctance—that charity is considered rajasic.

Explanation
Krishna says: "yat tu pratyupakāra-artham" (given for return favor), "phalam uddiśya vā punaḥ" (or aiming at fruit), "dīyate ca parikliṣṭam" (and given with reluctance), "tat dānam rājasaṁ smṛtam" (that charity considered rajasic). Rajasic giving seeks reward or is grudging, lacking the purity of sattva.

Key Concepts
Rajasic charity expects gain.
Reluctance marks its impurity.

Śloka 17.22

Sanskrit
अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते |
असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् || २२ ||

Transliteration
adeśa-kāle yad dānam apātrebhyaś ca dīyate |
asatkṛtam avajñātaṁ tat tāmasam udāhṛtam ||

English Translation
That gift given at the wrong place and time, to unworthy recipients, without respect or with contempt—that is declared tamasic.

Explanation
Krishna describes: "adeśa-kāle yat dānam" (given at wrong place, time), "apātrebhyaḥ ca dīyate" (to unworthy recipients), "asatkṛtam avajñātam" (without respect, with contempt), "tat tāmasam udāhṛtam" (that declared tamasic). Tamasic charity is thoughtless, disrespectful, and misdirected.

Key Concepts
Tamasic giving lacks discernment.
Contempt taints its act.

Śloka 17.23

Sanskrit
ॐ तत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविधः स्मृतः |
ब्राह्मणास्तेन वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च विहिताः पुरा || २३ ||

Transliteration
oṁ tat sad iti nirdeśo brahmaṇas trividhaḥ smṛtaḥ |
brāhmaṇās tena vedāś ca yajñāś ca vihitāḥ purā ||

English Translation
“Om, Tat, Sat”—this threefold designation of Brahman is remembered; by this, Brahmins, Vedas, and sacrifices were ordained in the past.

Explanation
Krishna introduces: "oṁ tat sat iti" (Om, Tat, Sat), "nirdeśaḥ brahmaṇaḥ trividhaḥ smṛtaḥ" (threefold designation of Brahman remembered), "tena brāhmaṇāḥ vedāḥ ca yajñāḥ ca" (by this Brahmins, Vedas, sacrifices), "vihitāḥ purā" (ordained in past). These sacred syllables sanctify Vedic acts, rooting them in Brahman.

Key Concepts
Om, Tat, Sat sanctify.
They anchor Vedic tradition.

Śloka 17.24

Sanskrit
तस्मादोमित्युदाहृत्य यज्ञदानतपःक्रियाः |
प्रवर्तन्ते विधानोक्ताः सततं ब्रह्मवादिनाम् || २४ ||

Transliteration
tasmād om ity udāhṛtya yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ |
pravartante vidhānoktāḥ satataṁ brahma-vādinām ||

English Translation
Therefore, with the utterance of “Om,” the acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity, as prescribed by scripture, are always undertaken by the knowers of Brahman.

Explanation
Krishna says: "tasmāt om iti udāhṛtya" (therefore uttering Om), "yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ" (acts of sacrifice, charity, austerity), "vidhāna-uktāḥ" (prescribed by scripture), "pravartante satatam brahma-vādinām" (always undertaken by Brahman-knowers). “Om” initiates these acts, aligning them with divine intent among the wise.

Key Concepts
Om begins sacred acts.
Brahman-knowers uphold scripture.

Śloka 17.25

Sanskrit
तदित्यनभिसन्धाय फलं यज्ञतपःक्रियाः |
दानक्रियाश्च विविधाः क्रियन्ते मोक्षकाङ्क्षिभिः || २५ ||

Transliteration
tad ity anabhisandhāya phalaṁ yajña-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ |
dāna-kriyāś ca vividhāḥ kriyante mokṣa-kāṅkṣibhiḥ ||

English Translation
With “Tat,” without aiming at fruit, acts of sacrifice and austerity, and various acts of charity are performed by those desiring liberation.

Explanation
Krishna explains: "tat iti" (with Tat), "anabhisandhāya phalam" (without aiming at fruit), "yajña-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ" (acts of sacrifice, austerity), "dāna-kriyāḥ ca vividhāḥ" (various acts of charity), "kriyante mokṣa-kāṅkṣibhiḥ" (performed by liberation-seekers). “Tat” (That—Brahman) signifies selflessness, guiding aspirants beyond reward.

Key Concepts
Tat denotes selfless acts.
Liberation seekers use it.

Śloka 17.26

Sanskrit
सद्भावे साधुभावे च सदित्येतत्प्रयुज्यते |
प्रशस्ते कर्मणि तथा सच्छब्दः पार्थ युज्यते || २६ ||

Transliteration
sad-bhāve sādhu-bhāve ca sad ity etat prayujyate |
praśaste karmaṇi tathā sac-chabdaḥ pārtha yujyate ||

English Translation
In the sense of existence and goodness, “Sat” is used; likewise, O Partha, the word “Sat” is applied to praiseworthy action.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "pārtha," says: "sad-bhāve sādhu-bhāve ca" (in existence, goodness), "sat iti etat prayujyate" (Sat is used), "praśaste karmaṇi tathā" (likewise in praiseworthy action), "sat-śabdaḥ yujyate" (word Sat applied). “Sat” denotes truth and virtue, sanctifying noble deeds and states.

Key Concepts
Sat signifies truth, virtue.
It blesses good actions.

Śloka 17.27

Sanskrit
यज्ञे तपसि दाने च स्थितिः सदिति चोच्यते |
कर्म चैव तदर्थीयं सदित्येवाभिधीयते || २७ ||

Transliteration
yajñe tapasi dāne ca sthitiḥ sad iti cocyate |
karma caiva tad-arthīyaṁ sad ity evābhidhīyate ||

English Translation
Steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and charity is called “Sat”; and action for their sake is also designated as “Sat.”

Explanation
Krishna continues: "yajñe tapasi dāne ca" (in sacrifice, austerity, charity), "sthitiḥ sat iti ca ucyate" (steadfastness called Sat), "karma ca eva tat-arthīyam" (action for their sake), "sat iti eva abhidhīyate" (designated as Sat). “Sat” affirms the constancy and purpose of these acts, marking them divine.

Key Concepts
Sat blesses steadfast acts.
Purpose gains sanctity.

Śloka 17.28

Sanskrit
अश्रद्धया हुतं दत्तं तपस्तप्तं कृतं च यत् |
असदित्युच्यते पार्थ न च तत्प्रेत्य नो इह || २८ ||

Transliteration
aśraddhayā hutaṁ dattaṁ tapas taptaṁ kṛtaṁ ca yat |
asad ity ucyate pārtha na ca tat pretya no iha ||

English Translation
Whatever is offered, given, or performed in austerity, or done without faith, is called “Asat,” O Partha; it bears no fruit hereafter or here.

Explanation
Krishna, addressing "pārtha," concludes: "aśraddhayā" (without faith), "hutam dattam tapaḥ taptaṁ kṛtaṁ ca yat" (offered, given, austerity performed, done), "asat iti ucyate" (called Asat), "na ca tat pretya na iha" (bears no fruit hereafter, here). Acts lacking faith are “Asat” (unreal), futile in this life and beyond.

Key Concepts
Faithless acts are unreal.
They yield no benefit.