Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.11 अफलाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते
श्लोक 17.11
अफलाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते ।
यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः ॥
aphalāṅkṣibhiryajño vidhidṛṣṭo ya ijyate |
yaṣṭavyameveti manaḥ samādhāya sa sāttvikaḥ ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो यज्ञ शास्त्र-विधि के अनुसार, फल की इच्छा न रखने वाले लोगों द्वारा, केवल यह मानकर कि इसे करना ही कर्तव्य है, मन को स्थिर करके किया जाता है, वह सात्त्विक है।
Meaning in English
Sacrifice performed according to scriptural rules by those who seek no reward, with the mind set firmly on the thought that it simply ought to be done, is sattvic.
Bhagavad Gita 17.11 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिः | aphala-ākāṅkṣibhiḥ | by those not desiring reward |
| यज्ञः | yajñaḥ | sacrifice |
| विधिदृष्टः | vidhi-dṛṣṭaḥ | as enjoined by scripture |
| यः | yaḥ | which |
| इज्यते | ijyate | is performed |
| यष्टव्यम् एव | yaṣṭavyam eva | it ought to be performed |
| इति | iti | thus |
| मनः | manaḥ | the mind |
| समाधाय | samādhāya | fixing firmly |
| सः | saḥ | that |
| सात्त्विकः | sāttvikaḥ | is sattvic |
Explanation
Sacrifice that is offered according to scriptural guidance by those who seek no reward, with the mind firmly settled in the thought that it simply ought to be done, is sattvic. The purest kind of offering is done out of a sense of duty and reverence, not as a deal to obtain something in return.
The phrase yaṣṭavyam eva, 'it is simply to be offered', captures the spirit of niṣkāma karma, action without desire for fruits, central to the Gita since chapter 2. Shankara notes that such a person performs the rite as a duty in itself. Ramanuja adds that the sacrifice is offered as worship of the Lord. Commentators observe that the three tests here, proper method, no craving for reward and a settled mind, will be repeated in different forms for austerity and charity.
भावार्थ
जो यज्ञ शास्त्र-विधि के अनुसार, फल की इच्छा न रखने वाले लोगों द्वारा, यह करना ही कर्तव्य है — ऐसा मन में दृढ़ निश्चय करके किया जाता है, वह सात्त्विक यज्ञ है।
Living it today
Do some good things simply because they are right, without calculating what you will get. That habit frees the mind from constant bargaining.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.11?
Sacrifice that is offered according to scriptural guidance by those who seek no reward, with the mind firmly settled in the thought that it simply ought to be done, is sattvic. The purest kind of offering is done out of a sense of duty and reverence, not as a deal to obtain something in return.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.11?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.11 in daily life?
Do some good things simply because they are right, without calculating what you will get. That habit frees the mind from constant bargaining.
Reflected on verse 17.11?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.