Bhagavad Gita · Verse 17.11
Chapter 17: Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga (श्रद्धात्रयविभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते । यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः ॥११॥
aphalākāṅkṣibhiryajño vidhidṛṣṭo ya ijyate | yaṣṭavyameveti manaḥ samādhāya sa sāttvikaḥ ||11||
Complete Shloka Translation
A sacrifice performed according to guidance by those who desire no reward, with the mind settled that it ought to be done, is sattvic.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यज्ञ | yajña | sacrifice or sacred offering |
| फल | phala | fruit or result |
| अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो | aphalākāṅkṣibhiryajño | [term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin... |
| विधिदृष्टो | vidhidṛṣṭo | [term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin... |
| इज्यते | ya | [term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin... |
| यष्टव्यमेवेति | ijyate | [term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin... |
| मनः | yaṣṭavyameveti | [term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin... |
| समाधाय | manaḥ | [term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin... |
| सात्त्विकः | samādhāya | [term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin... |
| ११ | sa | [term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin... |
sacrifice or sacred offering
fruit or result
[term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin...
[term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin...
[term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin...
[term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin...
[term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin...
[term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin...
[term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin...
[term] in context of A sacrifice performed accordin...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Proper practice and a nonpossessive motive are joined. Sattvic sacrifice is undertaken as duty rather than a bargain for reward.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Can you do something worthwhile without demanding recognition?"
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Can you do something worthwhile without demanding recognition?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.