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

Chapter 17, Verse 24

"Bhagavad Gita 17.24" — meaning and explanation.

Meaning

17.24 Therefore, with the utterance of "Om" are the acts of sacrifice, gift and austerity as enjoined in the scriptures, always begun by the students of Brahman.

।।17.24।। इसलिए, ब्रह्मवादियों की शास्त्र प्रतिपादित यज्ञ, दान और तप की क्रियायें सदैव ओंकार के उच्चारण के साथ प्रारम्भ होती हैं।।

Explanation

17.24 तस्मात् therefore? Om? इति thus? उदाहृत्य uttering? यज्ञदानतपःक्रियाः the acts of sacrifice? gift and austerity? प्रवर्तन्ते begin? विधानोक्ताः as enjoined in the scriptures? सततम् always? ब्रह्मवादिनाम् of the students of Brahman. Commentary Those who are knowers of the scriptures have a vivid impression of Om in their minds by means of meditation and then they will utter the Pranava with the proper attitude and feeling. Then meditating on Om and uttering it? they perform the sacrifices. Just as a hillstick is very useful in climbing a hill? just as a boat is very useful in crossing a river? so also Om is very useful and important at the commencement of an action or sacrifice.It is not desirable to renounce actions or sacrifices to attain union with the Lord. What is wanted is total and perfect surrender of all actions to God. Sacrifice? charity and austerity are not hindrances to the attainment of Selfrealisation on the contrary the attainment of liberation is rendered easy by their performance without any selfish desires or egoism.

Life Lesson

Study Bhagavad Gita 17.24 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

Context

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, verse 24, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

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