
Chapter 17 Verse 25
Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog
तदित्यनभिसन्धाय फलं यज्ञतपःक्रियाः।दानक्रियाश्च विविधाः क्रियन्ते मोक्षकाङ्क्षि।।17.25।।
tad ity anabhisandhāya phalaṁ yajña-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ dāna-kriyāśh cha vividhāḥ kriyante mokṣha-kāṅkṣhibhiḥ
Word Meanings
| tat | the syllable Tat |
| iti | thus |
| anabhisandhāya | without desiring |
| phalam | fruitive rewards |
| yajña | sacrifice |
| tapaḥ | austerity |
| kriyāḥ | acts |
| dāna | charity |
| kriyāḥ | acts |
| cha | and |
| vividhāḥ | various |
| kriyante | are done |
| mokṣha-kāṅkṣhibhiḥ | by seekers of freedom from material entanglements |
Translation
Uttering "Tat," without aiming for the fruits, are the acts of sacrifice, austerity, and the various acts of gifts performed by those seeking liberation.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says that when people perform sacrifice, self-discipline, or charity while saying "Tat" — offering the act to the greater Reality — they do it without desire for personal reward. The key is carrying out these spiritual acts without clinging to the fruits.
Such actions, done by those who seek freedom, serve to loosen the hold of ego and cravings. The outward acts matter less than the inward attitude: offering, not expecting, purifies the heart and moves one toward liberation.
In short, the verse teaches that intention — acting as an offering rather than for gain — transforms ordinary duties into steps toward spiritual freedom.
Life Application
- Before a task, mentally offer it to something larger (truth, service, God) and let go of expecting a specific outcome.
- Give help or money quietly, without seeking praise or recognition.
- Practice small self-discipline (simpler eating, fewer wants, focused work) as training to reduce attachment to results.
Reflection Question
Am I doing this action to gain something, or can I offer it simply and let go of the outcome?

