Chapter 17, Verse 28
अश्रद्धया हुतं दत्तं तपस्तप्तं कृतं च यत् |
असदित्युच्यते पार्थ न च तत्प्रेत्य नो इह ॥28॥
aśraddhayā hutaṃ dattaṃ tapastaptaṃ kṛtaṃ ca yat |
asadityucyate pārtha na ca tatpretya no iha ||
"O son of Prtha, whatever sacrifice is offered, charity given, or austerity performed without faith is termed as 'Asat' (non-existent/fruitless). It is of no value here in this life, nor in the life after death."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.28 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 17.28 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This concluding verse of Chapter 17 emphasizes that 'Shraddha' (faith/conviction) is the vitalizing force behind any action. Without internal alignment and faith in the Vedic path or the Supreme, external rituals like Yagna (sacrifice), Dana (charity), and Tapas (penance) are spiritually hollow. They are called 'Asat' because they lack the permanence of truth and fail to produce auspicious results in the current material existence or the subtle journey after death. Faith is the catalyst that transforms a physical act into a spiritual asset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 17.28?
O son of Prtha, whatever sacrifice is offered, charity given, or austerity performed without faith is termed as 'Asat' (non-existent/fruitless). It is of no value here in this life, nor in the life after death.