Chapter 17, Verse 13
विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम् | श्रद्धाविरहितं यज्ञं तामसं परिचक्षते ॥13॥
vidhi-hīnam asṛiṣhṭānnaṁ mantra-hīnam adakṣhiṇam | śhraddhā-virahitaṁ yajñaṁ tāmasaṁ parichakṣhate ||
"That sacrifice which is performed without following scriptural injunctions, without distribution of food, without the chanting of Vedic hymns, without remuneration to the priests, and which is devoid of faith, is said to be in the mode of ignorance (tamas)."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.13 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.13 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse defines 'Tamasic Yajna' (sacrifice in the mode of ignorance). True sacrifice is a holistic act of harmony involving cosmic laws (Vidhi), communal sharing (Asrishtannam), vibrational alignment (Mantra), gratitude/social reciprocity (Dakshina), and internal conviction (Shraddha). When an act is performed with laziness, belligerence, or total disregard for these pillars, it descends into Tamas. It is not merely about a religious ritual, but about any significant undertaking that lacks structure, generosity, and heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 17.13?
That sacrifice which is performed without following scriptural injunctions, without distribution of food, without the chanting of Vedic hymns, without remuneration to the priests, and which is devoid of faith, is said to be in the mode of ignorance (tamas).