Bhagavad Gita 17.23 — Om Tat Sat: The Threefold Name of the Supreme

Om Tat Sat: The Threefold Name of the Absolute

After describing how actions can be corrupted by the guṇas, Lord Krishna now shows how they can be purified. The remedy lies in remembering the Supreme.

Oṁ tat sat iti nirdeśo brahmaṇas trividhaḥ smṛtaḥ (Om Tat Sat is the threefold designation of Brahman): These three words together point to the Absolute Reality. Each has its own shade of meaning, which the following verses explain: Om as the primal sound and beginning of sacred acts, Tat as 'That', pointing to the Supreme and to selfless offering, and Sat as truth, goodness, and steadfastness.

Brāhmaṇās tena vedāś ca yajñāś ca vihitāḥ purā (by this were ordained the brāhmaṇas, the Vedas, and the yajñas in the beginning): This means that the sacred knowledge, those who preserve it, and the rituals of worship all find their origin and sanctity in the Supreme. Everything holy points back to Brahman.

The verse implies that when any action is connected with the remembrance of the Supreme, it is lifted beyond the limits of the three guṇas. Even an imperfect action can be sanctified by a pure intention and by dedication to the Divine.

Message for Everyday Life (Dedicating Your Actions)

Remember the higher purpose: Daily work easily becomes a mere routine or a competition. Remembering a higher purpose gives dignity and meaning to the smallest task.

Practical approach: Begin your work with a moment of silence or a simple prayer, and dedicate the effort to something greater than yourself. This small ritual changes the spirit of the whole day.