Bhagavad Gita 17.11 — Sattvic Sacrifice: Duty Performed Without Desire for Reward
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते ।
यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः ॥ १७.११ ॥
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That sacrifice which is performed according to scriptural injunction, by those who expect no reward, with the mind fixed on the conviction that it is one's duty to perform it, is sattvic.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| aphalākāṅkṣhibhiḥ | by those who desire no reward; by those free from expectation of results |
| yajñaḥ | sacrifice; sacred duty |
| vidhidṛṣhṭaḥ | as enjoined by scriptural injunction |
| yaḥ | which |
| ijyate | is performed |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yaṣhṭavyam | it ought to be performed; it is one's duty to perform |
| eva | only; indeed |
| iti | thus |
| manaḥ | the mind |
| samādhāya | having fixed; having concentrated |
| saḥ | that |
| sāttvikaḥ | sattvic; of the nature of goodness |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| aphalākāṅkṣhibhiḥ | by those who desire no reward; by those free from expectation of results | yaṣhṭavyam | it ought to be performed; it is one's duty to perform |
| yajñaḥ | sacrifice; sacred duty | eva | only; indeed |
| vidhidṛṣhṭaḥ | as enjoined by scriptural injunction | iti | thus |
| yaḥ | which | manaḥ | the mind |
| ijyate | is performed | samādhāya | having fixed; having concentrated |
| saḥ | that | ||
| sāttvikaḥ | sattvic; of the nature of goodness | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now describes sāttvika yajña. This is a sacred act performed according to scriptural guidance, without desire for any reward, and with a calm conviction that it is simply one's duty.
Essence
The Sacrifice That Purifies
Yajña means more than a ritual fire; it is any selfless, sacred action offered for a higher purpose. Lord Krishna now sets out what makes a yajña sattvic.
Aphalākāṅkṣibhiḥ (by those who desire no fruit): The first and most important mark is the absence of any hunger for results. The sacrifice is not a transaction in which one gives something in order to get something bigger. This echoes the central teaching of Karma Yoga in Chapter 2: you have a right to action, but not to its fruits.
Vidhi-diṣṭaḥ (in accordance with scriptural injunction): The act is performed with proper understanding, discipline, and in the right way, not in a careless or self-invented manner. This also links back to Arjuna's question in verse 1.
Yaṣṭavyam eveti manaḥ samādhāya (with the mind firmly fixed that it ought to be done): The inner attitude is clear and settled: "This is my duty, and I do it because it is right." There is no inner struggle, no bargaining, no pride. The mind is steady and at peace.
Notice how Lord Krishna emphasises the inner state more than the outer details. Two people may perform the same act, yet one acts out of duty and love, while the other acts out of ambition. The first act purifies; the second binds.
Message for Everyday Life (Doing Right Because It Is Right)
Act from duty and not from calculation: In work, family, and community, we often help or contribute only when we expect recognition or return. Such actions leave us anxious and dependent on others' response.
Practical approach: Choose some good actions to perform quietly, with no expectation of praise or reward, simply because they are right. This builds inner freedom, steadiness, and genuine joy.
The Sacrifice That Purifies
Yajña means more than a ritual fire; it is any selfless, sacred action offered for a higher purpose. Lord Krishna now sets out what makes a yajña sattvic.
Aphalākāṅkṣibhiḥ (by those who desire no fruit): The first and most important mark is the absence of any hunger for results. The sacrifice is not a transaction in which one gives something in order to get something bigger. This echoes the central teaching of Karma Yoga in Chapter 2: you have a right to action, but not to its fruits.
Vidhi-diṣṭaḥ (in accordance with scriptural injunction): The act is performed with proper understanding, discipline, and in the right way, not in a careless or self-invented manner. This also links back to Arjuna's question in verse 1.
Yaṣṭavyam eveti manaḥ samādhāya (with the mind firmly fixed that it ought to be done): The inner attitude is clear and settled: "This is my duty, and I do it because it is right." There is no inner struggle, no bargaining, no pride. The mind is steady and at peace.
Notice how Lord Krishna emphasises the inner state more than the outer details. Two people may perform the same act, yet one acts out of duty and love, while the other acts out of ambition. The first act purifies; the second binds.
Message for Everyday Life (Doing Right Because It Is Right)
Act from duty and not from calculation: In work, family, and community, we often help or contribute only when we expect recognition or return. Such actions leave us anxious and dependent on others' response.
Practical approach: Choose some good actions to perform quietly, with no expectation of praise or reward, simply because they are right. This builds inner freedom, steadiness, and genuine joy.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the pure sacrifice performed without desire for reward. He now contrasts it with the sacrifice of passion, in which the very same act is used for gain and for show.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Do your duty because it is right, not because it is rewarded.
A clean motive makes any action sacred.
Work without craving is work without stress.
Attend to the deed and let the result take care of itself.
Doing right when no one is watching is true sacrifice.
Action offered selflessly becomes a gift to all.
The mind rests where expectation ends.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'aphalākāṅkṣhī' (one who desires no reward) mean?
What is 'vidhidṛṣhṭa' (as enjoined by injunction) in this verse?
What does 'yaṣhṭavyam eva' (it is one's duty to perform) express?
Why is this called 'sāttvika' (sattvic, pure and harmonious)?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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