Loading...
Current layer: Translation
Chapter 17 • Verse 23
The Yoga of the Threefold Faith
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna introduces the threefold designation of the Supreme: OM TAT SAT. 'Oṁ tat sad iti nirdeśo brahmaṇaḥ trividhaḥ smṛtaḥ'—OM, TAT, SAT (iti) is the threefold (trividhaḥ) designation (nirdeśaḥ) of Brahman (brahmaṇaḥ), remembered (smṛtaḥ) in ancient times. 'Brāhmaṇās tena vedāś ca yajñāś ca vihitāḥ purā'—by that (tena), Brahmins (brāhmaṇāḥ), Vedas (vedāḥ), and sacrifices (yajñāḥ) were ordained (vihitāḥ) in ancient times (purā). OM TAT SAT represents the Supreme in three aspects: OM (the sacred syllable, the beginning), TAT (That, the Supreme Reality), and SAT (Truth, Existence, the eternal). These three words sanctify all spiritual practices. Understanding this helps you recognize the importance of OM TAT SAT in making practices spiritual and meaningful.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse reveals that OM TAT SAT is the threefold designation of the Supreme, ordained in ancient times. OM TAT SAT represents the Supreme in three aspects: OM (the sacred syllable, the beginning), TAT (That, the Supreme Reality), and SAT (Truth, Existence, the eternal). These three words sanctify all spiritual practices. When you practice with OM TAT SAT, you connect your actions to the Supreme, making them spiritual and meaningful. Understanding this helps you recognize the importance of connecting practices to the Supreme. The goal isn't to just perform actions—it's to sanctify them with OM TAT SAT, connecting them to the Supreme.
Personal Reflection
Do you practice with awareness of OM TAT SAT? Do you connect your actions to the Supreme? How can you sanctify your practices with OM TAT SAT?
Shortcuts
←/→ Verses
↑/↓ Layers