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Chapter 17 • Verse 13
The Yoga of the Threefold Faith
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna describes tamasic sacrifice—sacrifice that is tamasic. 'Vidhi-hīnam asṛṣṭānnaṁ mantra-hīnam adakṣiṇam śraddhā-virahitaṁ yajñaṁ'—this sacrifice is without scriptural injunctions (vidhi-hīnam), without distribution of food (asṛṣṭānnam), without mantras (mantra-hīnam), without dakshina (adakṣiṇam), and without faith (śraddhā-virahitam). 'Tāmasaṁ paricakṣate'—it is declared (paricakṣate) to be tamasic (tāmasam). Tamasic sacrifice is performed negligently, without proper form, without understanding, and without faith. It's not about duty or results—it's about going through the motions without care or understanding. Understanding this helps you recognize tamasic sacrifice and avoid it.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse reveals that tamasic sacrifice is performed without scriptural injunctions, without proper form, and without faith. Tamasic sacrifice is performed negligently, without care or understanding. It's not about duty or results—it's about going through the motions without care. Understanding this helps you recognize tamasic sacrifice and avoid it. The goal isn't to judge tamasic sacrifice—it's to recognize it and move toward sattvic sacrifice, which is performed with care, understanding, and faith.
Personal Reflection
Do you act without care or understanding? Is your action performed negligently, without faith? How can you move toward sattvic sacrifice?
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