Bhagavad Gita 17.27 — Steadfastness in Sacrifice, Austerity, and Charity Is Also 'Sat'
यज्ञे तपसि दाने च स्थितिः सदिति चोच्यते ।
कर्म चैव तदर्थीयं सदित्येवाभिधीयते ॥ १७.२७ ॥
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Steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and charity is also called 'Sat.' And any action performed for such purposes is also termed 'Sat.'
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yajñe | in sacrifice |
| tapasi | in austerity |
| dāne | in charity |
| cha | and |
| sthitiḥ | steadfastness; firm establishment |
| sat | 'Sat' |
| iti | thus |
| cha | and |
| uchyate | is called |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| karma | action |
| cha | and |
| eva | indeed |
| tadarthīyam | for the sake of That; done for such purposes |
| sat | 'Sat' |
| iti | thus |
| eva | indeed |
| abhidhīyate | is called; is termed |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yajñe | in sacrifice | karma | action |
| tapasi | in austerity | cha | and |
| dāne | in charity | eva | indeed |
| cha | and | tadarthīyam | for the sake of That; done for such purposes |
| sthitiḥ | steadfastness; firm establishment | sat | 'Sat' |
| sat | 'Sat' | iti | thus |
| iti | thus | eva | indeed |
| cha | and | abhidhīyate | is called; is termed |
| uchyate | is called | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna says that steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and charity is also called Sat, and so is any action performed for the sake of the Supreme.
Essence
Steadfastness: Sat in Action
Having shown that Sat means truth and goodness, Lord Krishna now includes the quality of steadiness in spiritual practice.
Yajñe tapasi dāne ca sthitiḥ sad iti cocyate (steadiness in yajña, tapas, and dāna is also called Sat): Being firmly established in these three disciplines, with consistent commitment rather than occasional enthusiasm, is itself sattvic. A person who is regular and dependable in their practice demonstrates inner strength and faith.
Karma caiva tad-arthīyaṁ sad ity evābhidhīyate (and action for the sake of That is also called Sat): Tad-arthīyam means 'for the sake of That', that is, for the Supreme. Any action done as an offering to the Divine, even ordinary work, becomes sacred.
This verse removes a possible misunderstanding. Spiritual life is not limited to rituals and special practices. Everyday duties performed in the spirit of dedication also fall under Sat. This idea runs through the Gita: the whole of life can become a yajña.
Message for Everyday Life (Consistency and Dedication)
Steadiness matters more than intensity: A modest practice kept up daily has more power than bursts of enthusiasm that fade. Regularity builds strength of character.
Practical approach: Choose a small, sustainable practice, such as a few minutes of study or reflection each day, and keep to it. Also try to dedicate your ordinary work to a purpose greater than yourself.
Steadfastness: Sat in Action
Having shown that Sat means truth and goodness, Lord Krishna now includes the quality of steadiness in spiritual practice.
Yajñe tapasi dāne ca sthitiḥ sad iti cocyate (steadiness in yajña, tapas, and dāna is also called Sat): Being firmly established in these three disciplines, with consistent commitment rather than occasional enthusiasm, is itself sattvic. A person who is regular and dependable in their practice demonstrates inner strength and faith.
Karma caiva tad-arthīyaṁ sad ity evābhidhīyate (and action for the sake of That is also called Sat): Tad-arthīyam means 'for the sake of That', that is, for the Supreme. Any action done as an offering to the Divine, even ordinary work, becomes sacred.
This verse removes a possible misunderstanding. Spiritual life is not limited to rituals and special practices. Everyday duties performed in the spirit of dedication also fall under Sat. This idea runs through the Gita: the whole of life can become a yajña.
Message for Everyday Life (Consistency and Dedication)
Steadiness matters more than intensity: A modest practice kept up daily has more power than bursts of enthusiasm that fade. Regularity builds strength of character.
Practical approach: Choose a small, sustainable practice, such as a few minutes of study or reflection each day, and keep to it. Also try to dedicate your ordinary work to a purpose greater than yourself.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has explained Om, Tat, and Sat, and shown how actions are sanctified by them. He now concludes the chapter with a weighty warning about what happens to actions performed without faith.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Consistency makes goodness durable.
Stay with the good long enough for it to take root.
Work done for a higher aim lifts the worker.
Commitment is a quiet form of love.
Repeat the good until it becomes you.
Steady faith keeps the path open.
Every dedicated deed has a place in the sacred.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'sthiti' (steadfastness) mean in this verse?
Why is steadfastness called 'Sat' (Truth or goodness)?
What does 'tadarthīya karma' (action for the sake of That) mean?
Does this verse apply only to rituals?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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