Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 17.12 अभिसन्धाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत्
श्लोक 17.12
अभिसन्धाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत् ।
इज्यते भरतश्रेष्ठ तं यज्ञं विद्धि राजसम् ॥
abhisandhāya tu phalaṃ dambhārthamapi caiva yat |
ijyate bharataśreṣṭha taṃ yajñaṃ viddhi rājasam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
परंतु हे भरतश्रेष्ठ! जो यज्ञ फल को ध्यान में रखकर या केवल दिखावे के लिए किया जाता है, उसे राजसी समझो।
Meaning in English
But sacrifice performed with an eye on the reward, or merely for show, know that to be rajasic, O best of the Bharatas.
Bhagavad Gita 17.12 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अभिसन्धाय | abhisandhāya | aiming at |
| तु | tu | but |
| फलम् | phalam | the fruit, reward |
| दम्भार्थम् | dambha-artham | for the sake of show |
| अपि च एव यत् | api ca eva yat | and also which |
| इज्यते | ijyate | is performed |
| भरतश्रेष्ठ | bharata-śreṣṭha | O best of the Bharatas |
| तम् | tam | that |
| यज्ञम् | yajñam | sacrifice |
| विद्धि | viddhi | know |
| राजसम् | rājasam | to be rajasic |
Explanation
But sacrifice that is offered with an eye on the reward, or merely for show, O best of the Bharatas, know that to be rajasic. The outward ritual may look the same as sattvic worship, but the motive behind it is gain or reputation, and so its quality is lower.
Shankara explains abhisandhāya phalam as having the fruit in view, and dambhārtham as performing it to appear pious. Commentators note that rajasic worship is not condemned outright; it may be correct in method and bring results, as chapter 7 acknowledges of those who worship for wishes. But it keeps the worshipper bound to desire. The verse invites honest self-examination of why we perform religious acts, and gently points towards the selfless attitude of 17.11.
भावार्थ
हे भरतश्रेष्ठ, जो यज्ञ फल की इच्छा से या केवल दिखावे के लिए किया जाता है, उसे राजसी यज्ञ जानो। बाहर से वह सात्त्विक यज्ञ जैसा दिख सकता है, पर उसके पीछे का भाव लाभ या प्रशंसा पाना होता है।
Living it today
There is nothing wrong with praying for help, but notice when worship becomes a transaction or a display. Gradually shift towards offering for its own sake.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 17.12?
But sacrifice that is offered with an eye on the reward, or merely for show, O best of the Bharatas, know that to be rajasic. The outward ritual may look the same as sattvic worship, but the motive behind it is gain or reputation, and so its quality is lower.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 17.12?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 17 (Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.12 in daily life?
There is nothing wrong with praying for help, but notice when worship becomes a transaction or a display. Gradually shift towards offering for its own sake.
Reflected on verse 17.12?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.