17. Three Divisions of Faith

Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog

BG 17.23

"Om Tat Sat" is the threefold designation of Brahman, by which the scriptures, ceremonies, and sacrifices have been ordained.

तत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविधः स्मृतः
ब्राह्मणास्तेन वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च विहिताः पुरा

  • oṁ tat sad — sacred syllables of transcendence

  • iti — thus

  • nirdeśho — symbolic of

  • brahmaṇas — the supreme truth

  • tri-vidhaḥ — of three kinds

    • tri

    • vidhaḥ

  • smṛitaḥ — have been declared

  • brāhmaṇās — the priests

  • tena — from them

  • vedāśh — scriptures

  • cha — and

  • yajñāśh — sacrifices

  • cha — and

  • vihitāḥ — came about

  • purā — from the beginning of creation

...17.22

"Om Tat Sat" is the threefold designation of Brahman, by which the scriptures, ceremonies, and sacrifices have been ordained.

[23]

The scriptures prescribed that all acts of sacrifice, gifts, and austerities commence with the utterance of "Om".

[24]

Acts of sacrifice, austerity, and charity, performed without thought of reward, are performed after uttering "Tat".

[25]

The word "Sat" refers to the existence of that which is good. As such, it is used to refer to an auspicious action.

[26]

Devotion to sacrifice, austerity, and charity is also referred to as "Sat", as is any action for such purposes.

[27]

Acts of sacrifice, charity, or penance, when performed without faith, are called "Asat". Such acts have no significance in this world and the next.

[28]

Chapter 17, Verse 23