Shloka 17.24 “Therefore, acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity, as prescribed by scriptures, are begun with the utterance of Om by knowers of Brahman.” Key Teaching: Sattvic acts begin with Om, following scriptures. Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga. Description: Krishna states that knowers of Brahman begin acts of sacrifice, […]

Shloka 17.23 “Om Tat Sat—these three are the symbols of Brahman; by these, brahmanas, Vedas, and sacrifices were ordained in the beginning.” Key Teaching: Om Tat Sat symbolizes Brahman, ordaining sacred acts. Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga. Description: Krishna explains that Om Tat Sat are Brahman’s symbols, by which

Shloka 17.22 “Charity given at the wrong place and time, to unworthy persons, without respect or proper manner, is called tamasic.” Key Teaching: Tamasic charity is given improperly to unworthy recipients. Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga. Description: Krishna describes tamasic charity as given at the wrong place and time,

Shloka 17.21 “Charity given grudgingly or with expectation of reward, aiming at fruit, is called rajasic.” Key Teaching: Rajasic charity is given grudgingly or for reward. Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Shraddha Traya Vibhaga Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga. Description: Krishna states that charity given grudgingly or with expectation of reward, aiming at fruit, is rajasic. This

Shloka 17.20 “Charity given to the worthy, without expectation, at the proper time and place, is sattvic.” Key Teaching: Sattvic charity is selfless and given appropriately. Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga. Description: Krishna defines sattvic charity as given to the worthy, without expectation, at the proper time and place. This verse,

Shloka 17.19 “Austerity performed with deluded notions, tormenting oneself or others, is tamasic.” Key Teaching: Tamasic austerity involves delusion and harm. Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga. Description: Krishna describes tamasic austerity as performed with deluded notions, tormenting oneself or others. This verse, continuing 17.18, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes

Shloka 17.18 “Austerity performed for show, seeking respect, honor, or reverence, unstable and fleeting, is rajasic.” Key Teaching: Rajasic austerity is performed for show and is fleeting. Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga. Description: Krishna describes rajasic austerity as performed for show, seeking respect, honor, or reverence, being unstable and fleeting. This

Shloka 17.17 “This threefold austerity, performed with faith, without desire for reward, by men steadfast in yoga, is sattvic.” Key Teaching: Sattvic austerity is performed with faith and selflessness. Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga. Description: Krishna states that threefold austerity (body, speech, mind), performed with faith, without desire for reward, by

Shloka 17.16 “Mental serenity, gentleness, silence, selfcontrol, purity of thought—these are austerity of mind.” Key Teaching: Austerity of mind includes serenity, gentleness, and purity. Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Dhyana Yoga. Description: Krishna defines austerity of mind as mental serenity, gentleness, silence, selfcontrol, and purity of thought. This verse, continuing 17.15, addresses Arjuna’s

Shloka 17.15 “Speech that causes no distress, is truthful, pleasant, beneficial, and recitation of scriptures is austerity of speech.” Key Teaching: Austerity of speech is truthful, pleasant, and beneficial. Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga. Description: Krishna defines austerity of speech as words that cause no distress, are truthful, pleasant, beneficial, and