Chapter 17 Verse 24
Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog
तस्मादोमित्युदाहृत्य यज्ञदानतपःक्रियाः।प्रवर्तन्ते विधानोक्ताः सततं ब्रह्मवादिनाम्।।17.24।।
tasmād oṁ ity udāhṛitya yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ pravartante vidhānoktāḥ satataṁ brahma-vādinām
Word Meanings
| tasmāt | therefore |
| om | sacred syllable om |
| iti | thus |
| udāhṛitya | by uttering |
| yajña | sacrifice |
| dāna | charity |
| tapaḥ | penance |
| kriyāḥ | performing |
| pravartante | begin |
| vidhāna-uktāḥ | according to the prescriptions of Vedic injunctions |
| satatam | always |
| brahma-vādinām | expounders of the Vedas |
Translation
Therefore, with the utterance of "Om," the acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity, as enjoined in the scriptures, are always begun by the students of Brahman.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says that sacred acts—sacrifice, giving, and self-discipline—are started with the syllable "Om." Saying or remembering Om before an action links that action to the divine and to the teachings of the scriptures.
This teaching points to intention. When wise people begin tasks with a quiet invocation, they transform ordinary deeds into offerings. It is not just a ritual sound; it is a way to center the mind and act from awareness rather than habit or impulse.
Life Application
- Before important tasks, take a moment to breathe and quietly say or think "Om" (or a short prayer) to set a calm, focused intention.
- Treat acts of charity, work, or self-discipline as opportunities to serve, not to seek reward; this shifts your mindset from personal gain to giving.
- Keep a simple, regular practice (morning silence, short prayer, or mindful pause) to make everyday actions steady and meaningful.
Reflection Question
Do I begin my actions with calm attention and a sense of higher purpose?