Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17 Verse 11 Meaning

That sacrifice which is offered by men without desire for reward, as enjoined by the ordinance (scripture), with a firm faith that doing so is their duty, is Sattvic or pure.

BG 17.11

अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते।यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः

aphalākāṅkṣhibhir yajño vidhi-driṣhṭo ya ijyate yaṣhṭavyam eveti manaḥ samādhāya sa sāttvikaḥ

Meaning

That sacrifice which is offered by men without desire for reward, as enjoined by the ordinance (scripture), with a firm faith that doing so is their duty, is Sattvic or pure.

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Explanation & Life Application

This verse from Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita highlights a practical insight: That sacrifice which is offered by men without desire for reward, as enjoined by the ordinance (scripture), with a firm faith that doing so is their duty, is Sattvic or pure.

In The Yoga of Threefold Faith (Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga), Krishna explains How faith manifests according to the three modes of nature.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

Chapter Context

How faith manifests according to the three modes of nature.

Key themes in this chapter include Faith, Food, Sacrifice, Charity.

When to Apply This Verse

  • •When you need steadiness while dealing with faith
  • •When practicing food amid uncertainty
  • •When applying sacrifice to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 17.11?
That sacrifice which is offered by men without desire for reward, as enjoined by the ordinance (scripture), with a firm faith that doing so is their duty, is Sattvic or pure. This verse emphasizes faith with clarity and purpose.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 17.11 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on food and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

BG 17.3

The faith of each is in accordance with their nature, O Arjuna. People consist of their faith; as a person's faith is, so are they.

BG 17.20

That gift which is given to one who does nothing in return, knowing it to be a duty to give in a suitable place and time to a worthy person, is held to be Sattvic.

BG 1.1

Dhritarashtra said, "What did my people and the sons of Pandu do when they had assembled together, eager for battle, on the holy plain of Kurukshetra, O Sanjaya?"

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← Back to Chapter 17: The Yoga of Threefold Faith

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