Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga - The Yoga of the Division of Threefold FaithKrishna
Verse 11
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 17, श्लोक 11
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते।
यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः॥
Transliteration
Aphala-akankshi-bhir yajno vidhi-drishto ya ijyate
Yashtavyam-eve-ti manah samadhaya sa sattvikah
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिःaphala-akankshi-bhihby those not desiring fruit
यज्ञःyajnahsacrifice
विधिदृष्टःvidhi-drishtahaccording to scriptural rules
इज्यतेijyateis performed
यष्टव्यम् एवyashtavyam evamust be performed as duty
इतिitithus
मनः समाधायmanah samadhayawith mind fixed
सःsahthat
सात्त्विकःsattvikahis sattvic
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
जो यज्ञ शास्त्रविधि अनुसार, फल की इच्छा न रखने वालों द्वारा, 'यह करना कर्तव्य है' ऐसा मन में निश्चय करके किया जाता है — वह सात्त्विक है।
English Translation
That sacrifice which is performed according to scriptural rules, by those who desire no reward, with firm conviction that it is a duty — that is sattvic.
Commentary (टीका)
Sattvic sacrifice is characterized by adherence to proper procedures, absence of selfish desire, and a sense of duty. The key is the inner attitude — performing sacred acts because they are right, not for personal gain. This selfless approach transforms ritual into genuine spiritual practice.