BG 17.28
Acts of sacrifice, charity, or penance, when performed without faith, are called "Asat". Such acts have no significance in this world and the next.
असदित्युच्यते पार्थ न च तत्प्रेत्य नो इह
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aśhraddhayā — without faith
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hutaṁ — sacrifice
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dattaṁ — charity
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tapas — penance
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taptaṁ — practiced
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kṛitaṁ — done
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cha — and
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yat — which
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asad — perishable
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ity — thus
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uchyate — are termed as
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pārtha — Arjun, the son of Pritha
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na — not
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cha — and
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tat — that
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pretya — in the next world
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no — not
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iha — in this world
"Om Tat Sat" is the threefold designation of Brahman, by which the scriptures, ceremonies, and sacrifices have been ordained. The scriptures prescribed that all acts of sacrifice, gifts, and austerities commence with the utterance of "Om". Acts of sacrifice, austerity, and charity, performed without thought of reward, are performed after uttering "Tat". The word "Sat" refers to the existence of that which is good. As such, it is used to refer to an auspicious action. Devotion to sacrifice, austerity, and charity is also referred to as "Sat", as is any action for such purposes. Acts of sacrifice, charity, or penance, when performed without faith, are called "Asat". Such acts have no significance in this world and the next.
Similar verses
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Acts of sacrifice, austerity, and charity, performed without thought of reward, are performed after uttering "Tat".
- Verse 17.25
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Devotion to sacrifice, austerity, and charity is also referred to as "Sat", as is any action for such purposes.
- Verse 17.27
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One should perform acts of sacrifice, charity, and penance for the sake of purifying the soul.
- Verse 18.5
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Some sages say that all action is evil and should be abandoned, while others say that acts of sacrifice, charity, and penance should not be given up.
- Verse 18.3