Chapter 17 Verse 12
Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog
अभिसंधाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत्।इज्यते भरतश्रेष्ठ तं यज्ञं विद्धि राजसम्।।17.12।।
abhisandhāya tu phalaṁ dambhārtham api chaiva yat ijyate bharata-śhreṣhṭha taṁ yajñaṁ viddhi rājasam
Word Meanings
| abhisandhāya | motivated by |
| tu | but |
| phalam | the result |
| dambha | pride |
| artham | for the sake of |
| api | also |
| cha | and |
| eva | certainly |
| yat | that which |
| ijyate | is performed |
| bharata-śhreṣhṭha | Arjun, the best of the Bharatas |
| tam | that |
| yajñam | sacrifice |
| viddhi | know |
| rājasam | in the mode of passion |
Translation
The sacrifice that is offered, O Arjuna, seeking a reward and for show, know that to be a Rajasic Yajna.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points out that any offering or act done mainly to gain a reward or to show off is driven by passion (rajas). The outer ritual or good deed loses its spiritual value if the inner motive is pride or profit.
Actions born of desire and the need for praise keep the mind tied to results and to the ego. Such actions create restlessness, dependence on outcomes, and continued seeking, rather than inner peace.
True spiritual growth depends on the motive behind the act. When actions are offered without craving for reward or recognition, they do not bind the heart and lead to steadiness and freedom.
Life Application
- Before acting, pause and ask: Am I doing this for praise, gain, or genuine help? Let that answer guide you.
- Practice small, quiet acts of service without announcing them—this trains you to act from sincerity, not show.
- When you must pursue goals, do your best but try to detach from needing applause or fixed results; dedicate outcomes to a higher purpose.
Reflection Question
Are my actions aimed at serving or at being seen?