Chapter 17 Verse 11
Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते।यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः।।17.11।।
aphalākāṅkṣhibhir yajño vidhi-driṣhṭo ya ijyate yaṣhṭavyam eveti manaḥ samādhāya sa sāttvikaḥ
Word Meanings
| aphala-ākāṅkṣhibhiḥ | without expectation of any reward |
| yajñaḥ | sacrifice |
| vidhi-driṣhṭaḥ | that is in accordance with the scriptural injunctions |
| yaḥ | which |
| ijyate | is performed |
| yaṣhṭavyam-eva-iti | ought to be offered |
| manaḥ | mind |
| samādhāya | with conviction |
| saḥ | that |
| sāttvikaḥ | of the nature of goodness |
Translation
That sacrifice which is offered by men without desire for reward, as enjoined by the ordinance (scripture), with a firm faith that doing so is their duty, is Sattvic or pure.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says a true offering (yajña) is any action done because it is the right thing to do, not to gain reward. When you act in line with moral or spiritual guidance and give up craving results, the action is called sattvic — pure and wholesome.
Sattvic action also needs a steady mind: you must be convinced that the action is your duty and perform it with calm faith. The quality of your inner motive—selfless, faithful, without expectation—makes the work spiritually clean.
When actions are guided by duty and inner conviction rather than by desire, they lead to clarity, balance, and peace in life.
Life Application
- Do chores, work, or service with full attention and without counting praise or gains; focus on doing it well because it's right.
- Follow moral or family traditions mindfully, not from habit or for show, but as a chosen duty that shapes your character.
- Before acting, remind yourself of the purpose (duty) rather than the outcome; practice letting go of attachment to results.
Reflection Question
Am I doing this task because it is right, or because I want a reward or recognition?