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Chapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith · 28 verses

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Nature & guṇasChapter 17 · The Divisions of Faith

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 17.11

Food and sacrifice in the modes

अफलाकाङ्‌‍क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदिष्टो य इज्यते ।

यष्टव्यमेवेति मन: समाधाय स सात्त्विक: ॥ ११ ॥

aphalākāṅkṣibhir yajño

vidhi-diṣṭo ya ijyate

yaṣṭavyam eveti manaḥ

samādhāya sa sāttvikaḥ

Translation

Of sacrifices, the sacrifice performed according to the directions of scripture, as a matter of duty, by those who desire no reward, is of the nature of goodness.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
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Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

Sacrifice in Goodness

  1. 1Sacrifice is in goodness when done according to scripture, as a duty, without wanting a reward.
  2. 2Prabhupāda explains that worship should offer respect to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, not seek material benefit.
  3. 3Visit a temple or church as a duty, offering respect, flowers and food without seeking material gain.

Where we are

In the story

Chapter 17, The Divisions of Faith: food and sacrifice in the modes.

What it teaches

Theme summary

The modes of nature condition behavior.

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Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: prakṛti, guṇa.

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Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 17.11 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to nature & guṇas?

Practice

Observe which mode shaped your last decision.

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The story behind it

Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.

All stories for chapter 17 ›
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Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

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