Chapter 17 Verse 26-27
Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog
सद्भावे साधुभावे च सदित्येतत्प्रयुज्यते।प्रशस्ते कर्मणि तथा सच्छब्दः पार्थ युज्यते।।17.26।। यज्ञे तपसि दाने च स्थितिः सदिति चोच्यते।कर्म चैव तदर्थीयं सदित्येवाभिधीयते।।17.27।।
sad-bhāve sādhu-bhāve cha sad ity etat prayujyate praśhaste karmaṇi tathā sach-chhabdaḥ pārtha yujyate yajñe tapasi dāne cha sthitiḥ sad iti chochyate karma chaiva tad-arthīyaṁ sad ity evābhidhīyate
Word Meanings
| sat-bhāve | with the intention of eternal existence and goodness |
| sādhu-bhāve | with auspicious intention |
| cha | also |
| sat | the syllable Sat |
| iti | thus |
| etat | this |
| prayujyate | is used |
| praśhaste | auspicious |
| karmaṇi | action |
| tathā | also |
| sat-śhabdaḥ | the word “Sat” |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| yujyate | is used |
| yajñe | in sacrifice |
| tapasi | in penance |
| dāne | in charity |
| cha | and |
| sthitiḥ | established in steadiness |
| sat | the syllable Sat |
| iti | thus |
| cha | and |
| uchyate | is pronounced |
| karma | action |
| cha | and |
| eva | indeed |
| tat-arthīyam | for such purposes |
| sat | the syllable Sat |
| iti | thus |
| eva | indeed |
| abhidhīyate | is described |
Translation
The word "Sat" is used to refer to reality and goodness; likewise, O Arjuna, the word "Sat" is used to refer to an auspicious act. Steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and gift is also called 'Sat', and action in connection with these, or for the sake of the Supreme, is also called 'Sat'.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says the word "Sat" points to what is real, true, and good. It is used not only for the idea of reality but also for actions that come from a noble aim.
Sacrifice (yajña), self-discipline (tapas), and giving (dāna) done with steadiness and the right heart are called "Sat." In other words, steady practice and pure intention make an action truly good.
The teaching stresses intention and steadiness more than show. When actions are offered to a higher purpose or the welfare of others, they become real spiritual deeds.
Life Application
- Check your intention before acting: aim to help, grow, or serve rather than seek praise or gain.
- Keep small, steady practices—regular giving, simple self-restraint, or short daily service—rather than occasional grand gestures.
- Make a habit of mentally dedicating your work and help to a larger purpose so you stay steady and less attached to results.
Reflection Question
Are my daily actions steady and done for a higher good rather than for praise or reward?