Bhagavad Gita 17.24 — Why Sacred Acts Begin with 'Om'
तस्मादोमित्युदाहृत्य यज्ञदानतपःक्रियाः ।
प्रवर्तन्ते विधानोक्ताः सततं ब्रह्मवादिनाम् ॥ १७.२४ ॥
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Therefore, the acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity, as enjoined in the scriptures, are always begun by the expounders of Brahman with the utterance of 'Om.'
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tasmāt | therefore |
| om | the sacred syllable Om |
| iti | thus |
| udāhṛtya | having uttered |
| yajña | sacrifice |
| dāna | charity |
| tapaḥ | austerity |
| kriyāḥ | acts |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| pravartante | begin; are undertaken |
| vidhāna | scriptural injunction |
| uktāḥ | as prescribed; as enjoined |
| satatam | always; constantly |
| brahmavādinām | of the expounders of Brahman; of the knowers of the Vedas |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tasmāt | therefore | pravartante | begin; are undertaken |
| om | the sacred syllable Om | vidhāna | scriptural injunction |
| iti | thus | uktāḥ | as prescribed; as enjoined |
| udāhṛtya | having uttered | satatam | always; constantly |
| yajña | sacrifice | brahmavādinām | of the expounders of Brahman; of the knowers of the Vedas |
| dāna | charity | ||
| tapaḥ | austerity | ||
| kriyāḥ | acts | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna explains the use of the syllable Om: those who know the Vedas always begin their acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity by uttering Om, as prescribed by the scriptures.
Essence
Om: Beginning with the Sacred
Om is the primal sound, regarded as the sound-form of Brahman. In this verse, Lord Krishna explains its practical role in spiritual life.
Tasmād oṁ ity udāhṛtya (therefore, uttering 'Om'): Because Om is the name of the Supreme, beginning an action with it places that action in the context of the divine. It reminds the performer of the higher source and purpose.
Yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ (acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity): These are the very three activities Lord Krishna has been analysing. Reciting Om at the start sanctifies each of them and helps to lift them above the influence of rajas and tamas.
Pravartante vidhānoktāḥ satatam brahmavādinām (they always commence, as prescribed, among the knowers of Brahman): This was the consistent practice of those wise in the Vedas. It gave their actions a steady and conscious foundation.
The inner meaning is that every action should begin with awareness. A mind that starts its work by remembering the divine is less likely to be swept away by ego and desire.
Message for Everyday Life (Starting Mindfully)
How you begin shapes how you proceed: Starting a task with distraction or anxiety tends to carry those qualities through the entire activity.
Practical approach: Before beginning important tasks, take a few calm breaths, perhaps chanting Om silently or setting a sincere intention. This brief pause brings focus and purity of purpose to what follows.
Om: Beginning with the Sacred
Om is the primal sound, regarded as the sound-form of Brahman. In this verse, Lord Krishna explains its practical role in spiritual life.
Tasmād oṁ ity udāhṛtya (therefore, uttering 'Om'): Because Om is the name of the Supreme, beginning an action with it places that action in the context of the divine. It reminds the performer of the higher source and purpose.
Yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ (acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity): These are the very three activities Lord Krishna has been analysing. Reciting Om at the start sanctifies each of them and helps to lift them above the influence of rajas and tamas.
Pravartante vidhānoktāḥ satatam brahmavādinām (they always commence, as prescribed, among the knowers of Brahman): This was the consistent practice of those wise in the Vedas. It gave their actions a steady and conscious foundation.
The inner meaning is that every action should begin with awareness. A mind that starts its work by remembering the divine is less likely to be swept away by ego and desire.
Message for Everyday Life (Starting Mindfully)
How you begin shapes how you proceed: Starting a task with distraction or anxiety tends to carry those qualities through the entire activity.
Practical approach: Before beginning important tasks, take a few calm breaths, perhaps chanting Om silently or setting a sincere intention. This brief pause brings focus and purity of purpose to what follows.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has explained how Om sanctifies the beginning of action. He now turns to the word Tat, showing how it purifies actions by directing them towards liberation rather than reward.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
A mindful start is half the work done.
Small rituals anchor large intentions.
One sacred sound can gather a scattered day.
Begin with the highest purpose in mind.
Repeat the sacred start until it becomes second nature.
Start where you are fully present.
Reverence at the doorway makes the whole house sacred.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do the wise begin sacred acts with 'Om' (the sacred syllable)?
What are 'yajña' (sacrifice), 'dāna' (charity) and 'tapas' (austerity) in this verse?
What does 'vidhānoktāḥ' (as prescribed by the scriptures) mean?
Who are the 'brahmavādinaḥ' (expounders of Brahman)?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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