Bhagavad Gita · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga — The Three Kinds of Faith

Chapter 17, Verse 13

"Bhagavad Gita 17.13" — meaning and explanation.

Meaning

17.13 They declare that sacrifice to be Tamasic which is contrary to the ordinances of the scriptures, in which no food is distributed, which is devoid of Mantras, gifts and faith.

।।17.13।। शास्त्रविधि से रहित, अन्नदान से रहित, बिना मन्त्रों, बिना दक्षिणा और बिना श्रद्धा के किये हुए यज्ञ को तामस यज्ञ कहते हैं।।

Explanation

17.13 विधिहीनम् without keeping to ordinance? असृष्टान्नम् in which no food is distributed? मन्त्रहीनम् which is devoid of Mantras? अदक्षिणम् which is devoid of gifts? श्रद्धाविरहितम् which is devoid of faith? यज्ञम् sacrifice? तामसम् Tamasic? परिचक्षते (they) declare.Commentary A sacrifice performed by a Tamasic man is never guided by any consideration for the prescribed rites or incantation. You will find every irregularity in this sacrifice. No food is distributed. No fees which are prescribed in the scriptures are given to the priests. The Mantras are not changed properly. The hymns recited are defective in utterance and accent. Sometimes there is no recitation at all. There is no faith. A man who performs such a sacrifice does not get any merit.

Life Lesson

Study Bhagavad Gita 17.13 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

Context

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, verse 13, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

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