विवेचन सारांश
The right ways to do Yajña, Dāna & Tapaḥ
The 17th chapter of Śrīmadbhagavad gītā is Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāga Yoga – The Yoga of insightful knowledge of the Three Divisions of Faith.
The evening session began with recitation of Śrī Hanuman Chalisa and prayers to the Almighty, followed by the lighting of the Lamp.
The first twelve slokas in this chapter discuss three types of śraddhā, worship, and food. Today’s session is on Yajna, Tapa, and Dana. These are to be performed in compliance with the injunctions of the Scriptures.
The evening session began with recitation of Śrī Hanuman Chalisa and prayers to the Almighty, followed by the lighting of the Lamp.
The first twelve slokas in this chapter discuss three types of śraddhā, worship, and food. Today’s session is on Yajna, Tapa, and Dana. These are to be performed in compliance with the injunctions of the Scriptures.
Verses in this Chapter of Bhagavad Gītā are of immense help to comprehensively understand these activities in practical life.
17.13
vidhihīnamasṛṣṭānnaṃ(m), mantrahīnamadakṣiṇam,
śraddhāvirahitaṃ(m) yajñaṃ(n), tāmasaṃ(m) paricakṣate. 17.13
A sacrifice, which is not in conformity with scriptural injunctions, in which no food is offered, and no sacrificial fees are paid, which is without sacred chant of hymns and devoid of faith, is said to be Tāmasika.
- vidhihīnam: not by injunctions of scriptures
- asrstannaṃ: no distribution of food, which is equivalent to Prasad
- mantrahīnam: without the sacred utterance of the Vedic mantras
- adakṣiṇam: without remuneration in honour to the Guru Ji performing the rituals
- śraddhāvirahitaṃ: without Śraddhā in the yajna
All spiritual rites are to be performed as per instructions stipulated in Vedic scriptures not according to one’s own imagination. Impelled by the samsakaras some people perform pompous yajnas for the satisfaction of their ego and publicity. Haggling with Pandit Ji for Dakshina is common these days. In marriages, the groom and bride insist on shortcuts for actual rites; Pandit ji concerned about only his Dakshina may happily oblige.
It has been empirically proven in various scientific research that positive vibrations flow from the chanting of utterance of the Vedic Mantra. Marriages performed in non-compliance with injunctions of scriptures lose the sanctity and gravity of the marriage itself. This could be a reason for the unrest in marriage life and frequent divorces. There are around 80000 mantras for rites, these are to be properly uttered to get benefits from the vibrations.
Nowadays performance of Yajna and the utterance of Mantras are polluted; neither Pandit Ji nor the host bothers about the procedure, proper mantras for the occasion, and their utterance. These rituals are for the fulfilment of some desire for material gains, and are Tamasik in nature.
devadvijaguruprājña, pūjanaṃ(m) śaucamārjavam,
brahmacaryamahiṃsā ca, śārīraṃ(n) tapa ucyate. 17.14
Worship of gods, the Brāhamaṇs, one’s guru, elders and great soul, purity, straightforwardness, continence and non-violence –these are called penance of the body.
- dēvadvijaguruprājña: the supreme Brahmin (learned person), and the spiritual Guru.
- pujanam: worship
- śauchamārjavam: purity and simplicity
- brahmacharyamahiṃsā: celibacy and nonviolence
- uchyatē: is said to be
Among the three Tapas, the shararik tapa relates to performance by the body. In the service of Bhagavān, Guru, Brahmins, Parents, and the service of humanity one has to work physically. It is well exemplified by the illustrious story of Shravan Kumar who took pains for the pilgrimage of his blind parents. Worship of God is in common practice but equally important is to worship learned Brahmin who is twice-born (one physical birth and other spiritual birth), and elders like parents and other learned persons.
In olden times disciples used to serve the Guru joyfully, ignoring body pain or tiredness. This tapa cannot be performed without purity of mind and cleanliness of the body, simplicity, free from lust and violence. Non-reaction or agitation in social life against abusive language or behavior is also Tapa. Sense gratification is an upsurge of mind but they are to be controlled; if uncontrolled, the person falls deep into hell. Observation of Brahmacharya or celibacy, is also control over the gratification of the sense by Sharirik Tapa.
anudvegakaraṃ(m) vākyaṃ(m), satyaṃ(m) priyahitaṃ(ñ) ca yat,
svādhyāyābhyasanaṃ(ñ) caiva, vāṅmayaṃ(n) tapa ucyate. 17.15
Words which cause no annoyance to others and are truthful, agreeable and beneficial, as well as the study of Vedas and other Śāstras and the practice of the chanting of Divine Name— this is known as penance of speech.
- anudvēgakaraṃ vākyaṃ: non-agitating words
- satyaṃ: truthful
- priya: dear
- hitaṃ: beneficial
- ca: also
- yat: which
- svādhyāyābhyasanaṃ: recitation of Vedic scriptures
- vāṅmayaṃ: of speech
- tapa: austerity
- uchyate: is considered
manaḥ(ph) prasādaḥ(s) saumyatvaṃ(m), maunamātmavinigrahaḥ,
bhāvasaṃśuddhirityetat, tapo mānasamucyate. 17.16
Cheerfulness of mind, placidity, habit of contemplation on God, control of mind and perfect purity of inner feelings–all this is called austerity of the mind..
- manaḥ prasādaḥ: contentment of mind
- saumyatvaṃ: not being dishonest to others
- maunam: silence
- ātmavinigrahaḥ: self-control
- bhavasaṃśuddhir: purity in nature
- iti: thus
- ētat: this
- tapō: austerity
- mānasam: of mind
- uchyatē: is said to be
The mind is the controller of all senses, and the prevalent guna in the mind influences all these. The person is cheerful in unpleasant and adverse situations.
Pujya Swami Ji narrates an instance of his journey to Florida, USA. It took more than twenty hours for the completion of the journey and customs clearance. The last leg of the journey was a long drive to a far-off destination. On the highway, the host took a wrong turn; this was subsequently followed by exhausting petrol, and loss of satellite link. The host handled every situation with a cool mind and without any anxiety. The crux of this narration is mental balance in adverse situations can only help to get out of it.
Maintenance of cheerfulness and calmness and avoidance of agitating others, is Manasik Tapa. Maunam does not imply external silence, but internal silence which is important. To calm down the fleet of thoughts going through the mind and remembrance of Paramātmā is Maunam.
śraddhayā parayā taptaṃ(n), tapastattrividhaṃ(n) naraiḥ,
aphalākāṅkṣibhiryuktaiḥ(s), sāttvikaṃ(m) paricakṣate. 17.17
This threefold penance performed with supreme faith by Yogīs expecting no return is called Sāttvika.
- śraddhayā: with faith
- parayā: transcendental
- taptaṃ: practiced
- tapas: austerity
- tat: that
- tri-vidhaṃ:of three kinds
- naraiḥ: by persons
- aphalā-kāṅkṣibhir: without desire for material gain
- yuktaiḥ: engaged
- sāttvikaṃ: in the mode of goodness
- parichakṣatē: is considered
Life is full of struggles, obstacles, and failures that shake confidence in spirituality. Only a person who remains unattached to material rewards, unshakable, unperturbed, and steadfast in his faith in Paramātmā can overcome these. Therefore, Śraddhā and the absence of desire for rewards are emphasized for the performance of Body, Speech, and Mind Tapa.
A person approached a swami Ji with the desire to learn Tapa and yoga. Swami Ji gave him a small box with instructions to hand it over to another Swami Ji living 5 kms away. The man got tired after 3 kms, and rested under a tree. Curious to know the contents of the box, he opened it. A rat jumped out of it and vanished into the jungle. He closed the box, resumed his journey, and reached his destination. He silently handed over the empty box to Swami Ji, who enquired him about the where abouts of the contents. He narrated the truth. On his return, Swami Ji told him that he could neither bear the physical discomfort of a short journey nor resist the temptation of opening the box. Besides, he did not inform of the incident to the receiver of the box, on his own accord. Such a person with weak self-control is a misfit to obtain knowledge about yoga and tapa.
satkāramānapūjārthaṃ(n), tapo dambhena caiva yat,
kriyate tadiha proktaṃ(m), rājasaṃ(ñ) calamadhruvam. 17.18
The austerity which is performed for the sake of renown, honor or adoration, as well as for any other selfish gain, either in all sincerity or by way of ostentation, and yields an uncertain and momentary fruit, has been spoken of here as Rājasika.
- sat-kāra: respect
- māna: honor
- pūjā: reverence
- arthaṃ: for the sake of
- tapah: austerity
- dambhēna: with ostentation
- kriyatē: is performed
- tat: that
- iha: in this world
- prōktaṃ: is said to be
- rājasaṃ: in the mode of passion
- chalam: wavering
- adhruvam: temporary
mūḍhagrāheṇātmano yat, pīḍayā kriyate tapaḥ,
parasyotsādanārthaṃ(m) vā, tattāmasamudāhṛtam. 17.19
Penance which is resorted to out of foolish obstinacy and is accompanied with self-mortification or is intended to harm others, such penance has been declared as Tāmasika.
- mūḍha: foolish
- grāhēṇ: with endeavour
- ātmanō: one’s own self
- yat: which
- pīḍayā: torturing
- kriyatē: performed
- tapaḥ: penance
- parasya: to others
- utsādana-artham: harming others,
- vā: or
- tat: that
- tāmasam: in the mode of ignorance
- udāhṛtam: is described to be
dātavyamiti yaddānaṃ(n), dīyate'nupakāriṇe,
deśe kāle ca pātre ca, taddānaṃ(m) sāttvikaṃ(m) smṛtam. 17.20
A gift which is bestowed with a sense of duty on one from whom no return is expected, at appropriate time and place, and to a deserving person, that gift has been declared as Sāttvika.
- dātavyam: worthy of charity
- iti: thus
- yat: that which
- dānaṃ: charity
- dīyatē: is given
- anupakāriṇē: no desire for return
- dēśē kale: proper place and time
- ca: and
- pātrē: deserving charity
- tat: that
- dānaṃ: charity
- sāttvikaṃ: mode of goodness
- smṛtam: is considered
yattu pratyupakārārthaṃ(m), phalamuddiśya vā punaḥ,
dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṃ(n), taddānaṃ(m) rājasaṃ(m) smṛtam. 17.21
A gift which is bestowed in grudging spirit and with the object of getting a service in return or in the hope of obtaining a reward, is called Rājasika.
- yat: that which
- tu: but
- prati-upakār-ārthaṃ: with the desire of return
- phalam: reward
- uddiśya: intention
- vā: or
- punaḥ: again
- dīyatē: is given
- ca: and
- parikliṣṭaṃ: grudging mood
- tat: that
- dānaṃ: charity
- rājasaṃ smṛtam: is considered in the mode of passion
adeśakāle yaddānam, apātrebhyaśca dīyate,
asatkṛtamavajñātaṃ(n), tattāmasamudāhṛtam. 17.22
A gift which is made without good grace and in disdainful spirit out of time and place and to undeserving persons, is said to be Tāmasika.
- adēśa: at wrong place
- kālē: wrong time
- yat: of which
- dānam: charity
- apātrēbhyah: nondeserving
- ca: and
- dīyatē: is given
- asat-kṛtam: without respect
- avajñātaṃ: without proper attention
- tat: that
- tāmasam: in the mode of ignorance
- udāhṛtam: is said to be
oṃ tatsaditi nirdeśo, brahmaṇastrividhaḥ(s) smṛtaḥ,
brāhmaṇāstena vedāśca, yajñāśca vihitāḥ(ph) purā. 17.23
OM, TAT, and SAT– this has been declared as the triple appellation of Brahma, who is Truth, Consciousness, and Bliss. By that were the Brāhmaṇas and the Vedas as well as sacrifices created at the cosmic dawn.
- ōṃ tat sat: representing the Parmatma which is eternal and true
- iti: thus
- nirdēśah: indications
- brahmaṇah: the supreme absolute truth
- tri-vidhaḥ: three-fold
- smṛtaḥ: is known as
- brāhmaṇāh: performer of Vedic rituals
- tēna: from them, Vedas: scriptures
- ca: and
- yajñāś: sacrifices
- vihitāḥ: came about
- purā: since the beginning of the creation
tasmādomityudāhṛtya, yajñadānatapaḥ(kh) kriyāḥ,
pravartante vidhānoktāḥ(s), satataṃ(m) brahmavādinām. 17.24
Therefore, acts of sacrifice, charity and austerity as enjoined by sacred precepts are always commenced by noble persons, used to the recitation of Vedic chants, with the invocation of the divine name 'OM'.
- tasmāt: therefore
- ōm: sacred syllable Om
- iti: thus
- udāhṛtya: utterance
- yajña: sacrifice
- dāna: charity
- tapaḥ: austerity
- kriyāḥ: performance
- pravartantē: in the beginning
- vidhān-uktāḥ: as per injunctions of scriptures
- satataṃ: continuous
- Brahma-vādinām: of the transcendentalists
tadityanabhisandhāya, phalaṃ(m) yajñatapaḥ(kh) kriyāḥ,
dānakriyāśca vividhāḥ(kh), kriyante mokṣakāṅkṣibhiḥ. 17.25
With the idea that all this belongs to God, who is denoted by the appellation 'TAT', acts of sacrifice and austerity as well as acts of charity of various kinds are performed by seekers of liberation, expecting no return for them.
- tat: the syllable Tat
- iti: thus
- anabhisandhāya: without desiring
- phalaṃ: fruitive rewards
- yajña: sacrifice
- tapaḥ: austerity
- kriyāḥ: act,
- dāna: charity
- ca: and
- vividhāḥ: various
- kriyantē: are done
- mōkṣakāṅkṣibhiḥ: seekers of liberation
sadbhāve sādhubhāve ca, sadityetatprayujyate,
praśaste karmaṇi tathā, sacchabdaḥ(ph) pārtha yujyate. 17.26
The name of God, 'SAT' is used in the sense of reality and goodness. And the word 'SAT' is also used in the sense of a praiseworthy and auspicious action, Arjuna.
- sat-bhāvē: In the sense of the nature of the supreme
- sadhu-bhāvē: in the sense of nature of the the devotee
- ca: and
- sat: the syllable sat
- iti: thus
- etat: this
- prayujyate: is used
- praśaste: auspicious
- karmani: activities
- tatha: also
- sat-shabdaḥ: the sound sat
- yujyate: is used
yajñe tapasi dāne ca, sthitiḥ(s) saditi cocyate,
karma caiva tadarthīyaṃ(m), sadityevābhidhīyate. 17.27
And steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity and charity is likewise spoken of as ‘SAT’ and action for the sake of God is verily termed as ‘SAT’.
- yajñē: in sacrifice
- tapasi: in austerity
- dānē: in charity
- ca: and
- sthitiḥ: steadfastness
- sat: the ultimate truth
- iti: thus
- uchyatē: is pronounced
- karma: action
- eva: certainly
- tat-arthīyaṃ: for that purpose
- abhidhīyatē: is described
aśraddhayā hutaṃ(n) dattaṃ(n), tapastaptaṃ(ṅ) kṛtaṃ(ñ) ca yat,
asadityucyate pārtha, na ca tatpretya no iha. 17.28
An oblation which is offered, a gift given, an austerity practiced, and whatever good deed is performed, if it is without faith, it is termed as naught i.e., 'asat'; therefore, it is of no avail here or hereafter.
- aśraddhayā: without faith
- hutaṃ: offered in sacrifice
- dattaṃ: given
- tapas: penance
- taptaṃ: practiced
- kṛtaṃ: done
- ca: and
- yat: that which
- asat: false
- iti: thus
- uchyatē: is said to be
- pārtha: son of Prtha
- na: never
- tat: that
- prētya: after death
- nō: not
- iha: in this world
In the 17th Chapter, the penultimate chapter, of Bhagavad Gītā, one learns what Sattvik Karma is and how to develop the habit of following the Sattvik path. No one is born purely Sattvik; one has to become so by doing Sattvik tapas as described in this chapter for upliftment in spiritual journey.
Question and answers:
Mahesh Ji
Q: Are garlic and onion, considered as tamasik despite having medical benefits?
A: These both are pungent in taste and hence to be avoided in food.
Q: In earlier days, leprosy and polio was associated with previous karmas. Both diseases have been eradicated now. Now, there are many physical deformities or congenital diseases in new born babies. How can it be explained?
A: One has to suffer for the consequences of previous karma though modifications in them are possible by present karma too.
Rao Ji
Q: Is it necessary to take a bath or cleaning of body before reading Bhagavad Gītā?
A: No such requirement is there. Such provisions are only for rituals.
Q: Are garlic and onion, considered as tamasik despite having medical benefits?
A: These both are pungent in taste and hence to be avoided in food.
Q: In earlier days, leprosy and polio was associated with previous karmas. Both diseases have been eradicated now. Now, there are many physical deformities or congenital diseases in new born babies. How can it be explained?
A: One has to suffer for the consequences of previous karma though modifications in them are possible by present karma too.
Rao Ji
Q: Is it necessary to take a bath or cleaning of body before reading Bhagavad Gītā?
A: No such requirement is there. Such provisions are only for rituals.
om tatsaditi śrīmadbhagavadgītāsu upaniṣatsu
brahmavidyāyāṃ(m) yogaśāstre śrīkṛṣṇārjunasaṃvāde
śraddhātrayavibhāgayogonāma saptadaśo'dhyāyaḥ.
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