Chapter 17, Verse 12
अभिसन्धाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत् | इज्यते भरतश्रेष्ठ तं यज्ञं विद्धि राजसम् ॥12॥
abhisandhāya tu phalaṁ dambhārtham api chaiva yat | ijyate bharata-śhreṣhṭha taṁ yajñaṁ viddhi rājasam
"But that sacrifice which is performed seeking a result, and also for the sake of ostentation, know that sacrifice to be Rajasic, O best of the Bharatas."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Krishna categorizes sacrifice (Yajña) based on the three Gunas. A Rajasic sacrifice is characterized by two main flaws: 'Phalābhisandhāna' (craving for specific rewards) and 'Dambha' (the desire for show or prestige). When a spiritual or social act is performed as a transaction or to inflate one's ego and social standing, it loses its purifying power and remains in the realm of passion (Rajas).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 17.12?
But that sacrifice which is performed seeking a result, and also for the sake of ostentation, know that sacrifice to be Rajasic, O best of the Bharatas.