Bhīṣma Parva · Adhyaya 6.39

Adhyāya 39

अध्यायः 39

Who speaks here अर्जुन arjuna

English for this adhyāya (section level, not verse by verse): Ganguli’s translation, approximately §40–42 Ganguli follows a different edition, so the match is approximate.

In this chapterSanskrit allTransliteration allHindi allEnglish allUnavailable translations are marked, never invented.

39.1MBH-6-39-1

अर्जुन उवाच । ये शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य यजन्ते श्रद्धयान्विताः । तेषां निष्ठा तु का कृष्ण सत्त्वमाहो रजस्तमः ॥

arjuna uvāca । ye śāstravidhim utsr̥jya yajante śraddhayānvitāḥ । teṣāṁ niṣṭhā tu kā kr̥ṣṇa sattvam āho rajas tamaḥ ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaअर्जुन ने कहा -- हे कृष्ण ! जो लोग शास्त्रविधि को त्यागकर (केवल) श्रद्धा युक्त यज्ञ (पूजा) करते हैं, उनकी स्थिति (निष्ठा) कौन सी है ?क्या वह सात्त्विक है अथवा राजसिक या तामसिक ?

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.1 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaArjuna said, "What is the condition of those who, disregarding the injunctions of the scriptures, perform sacrifice with faith—is it Sattva, Rajas, or Tamas, O Krishna?"

Swami GambiranandaArjuna said, But, O Krsna, what is the state of those who, endued with faith, perform sacrifices, distribute wealth, etc. in honour of gods and others, while ignoring the injunctions of the scriptures? Is it sattva, rajas, or tamas?

Swami AdidevanandaArjuna said, "Now, O Krsna, what is the position or basis of those who, despite leaving aside the injunction of the Sastra, still worship with faith? Is it Sattva, Rajas, or Tamas?"

Dr. S. SankaranarayanArjuna said: "What is the state of those who remain faithful but neglect the scriptural injunctions—is it sattva, rajas, or tamas? O Krsna!"

Shri Purohit SwamiArjuna asked, "My Lord, what is the condition of those who perform acts of sacrifice not according to the scriptures, but with implicit faith? Is it one of purity, passion, or ignorance?"

39.2MBH-6-39-2

श्रीभगवानुवाच । त्रिविधा भवति श्रद्धा देहिनां सा स्वभावजा । सात्त्विकी राजसी चैव तामसी चेति तां शृणु ॥

śrībhagavān uvāca । trividhā bhavati śraddhā dehināṁ sā svabhāvajā । sāttvikī rājasī caiva tāmasī ceti tāṁ śr̥ṇu ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaश्री भगवान् ने कहा -- देहधारियों (मनुष्यों) की वह स्वाभाविक (ज्ञानरहित) श्रद्धा तीन प्रकार की - सात्त्विक, राजसिक और तामसिक - होती हैं, उसे तुम मुझसे सुनो।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.2 (minor wording variants between the critical edition and the Gita edition). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe Blessed Lord said, "There are threefold faiths inherent in the nature of the embodied: the sattvic (pure), the rajasic (passionate), and the tamasic (dark). Hear of them."

Swami GambiranandaThe Blessed Lord said, "That faith of the embodied beings, born of their own nature, is threefold—born of sattva, rajas, and tamas. Hear about it."

Swami AdidevanandaThe Lord said, "The faith of embodied beings is threefold, born of their own nature and constituted of Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas. Now, listen to me about it."

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe Bhagavat said, "The faith of the embodied persons is born of their nature and is of three kinds [viz.]: that which is made of Sattva; that which is made of Rajas; and that which is made of Tamas. Listen about them."

Shri Purohit SwamiLord Shri Krishna replied: Man has an inherent faith in one or another of the qualities—purity, passion, and ignorance. Now, listen.

39.3MBH-6-39-3

सत्त्वानुरूपा सर्वस्य श्रद्धा भवति भारत । श्रद्धामयोऽयं पुरुषो यो यच्छ्रद्धः स एव सः ॥

sattvānurūpā sarvasya śraddhā bhavati bhārata । śraddhāmayo ’yaṁ puruṣo yo yacchraddhaḥ sa eva saḥ ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaहे भारत सभी मनुष्यों की श्रद्धा उनके सत्त्व (स्वभाव, संस्कार) के अनुरूप होती है। यह पुरुष श्रद्धामय है, इसलिए जो पुरुष जिस श्रद्धा वाला है वह स्वयं भी वही है अर्थात् जैसी जिसकी श्रद्धा वैसा ही उसका स्वरूप होता है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.3 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe 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.

Swami GambiranandaO scion of the Bharata dynasty, the faith of all beings is in accordance with their minds. This person is composed of faith as the dominant factor. He is indeed what his faith is.

Swami AdidevanandaO Arjuna, the faith of everyone is in accordance with their inner organ (Antahkarana). Each person consists of faith; whatever their faith is, that is who they are.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanCorresponding to one's own sattva, O descendant of Bharata, everybody has faith. The person predominantly consists of faith. Whatever one has faith in, that he becomes certainly.

Shri Purohit SwamiEvery person's faith conforms to their nature. By nature, they are full of faith. They are, in fact, what their faith makes them.

39.4MBH-6-39-4

यजन्ते सात्त्विका देवान्यक्षरक्षांसि राजसाः । प्रेतान्भूतगणांश्चान्ये यजन्ते तामसा जनाः ॥

yajante sāttvikā devān yakṣarakṣāṁsi rājasāḥ । pretān bhūtagaṇāṁś cānye yajante tāmasā janāḥ ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaसात्त्विक पुरुष देवताओं को पूजते हैं और राजस लोग यक्ष और राक्षसों को, तथा अन्य तामसी जन प्रेत और भूतगणों को पूजते हैं।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.4 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe sattvic, or pure, men worship the gods; the rajasic, or passionate, worship the yakshas and rakshasas; the others, the tamasic or deluded people, worship ghosts and hosts of nature-spirits.

Swami GambiranandaThose with sattva quality worship the gods; those with rajas, the demigods and demons; and those with tamas, ghosts and hosts of spirits.

Swami AdidevanandaThe sattvic types worship the gods; the rajasic types worship yaksas and rakshasas; and the others, the tamasic types, worship the departed ancestors and hosts of bhutas.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe men of the Sattva strand perform sacrifices intending for the gods; the men of the Rajas strand do so for the spirits and demons; and the men of the Tamas strand perform sacrifices intending for the imps, the dead, and the ghosts.

Shri Purohit SwamiThe pure worship the true God; the passionate, the powers of wealth and magic; the ignorant, the spirits of the dead and lower orders of nature.

39.5MBH-6-39-5

अशास्त्रविहितं घोरं तप्यन्ते ये तपो जनाः । दम्भाहंकारसंयुक्ताः कामरागबलान्विताः ॥

aśāstravihitaṁ ghoraṁ tapyante ye tapo janāḥ । dambhāhaṁkārasaṁyuktāḥ kāmarāgabalānvitāḥ ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaजो लोग शास्त्रविधि से रहित घोर तप करते हैं तथा दम्भ, अहंकार, काम और राग से भी युक्त होते हैं।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.5 (minor wording variants between the critical edition and the Gita edition). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThose men who practice terrific austerities not prescribed by the scriptures, given to hypocrisy and egoism, driven by the force of lust and attachment.

Swami GambiranandaThose persons who, given to ostentation and pride, and possessed of passion, attachment, and strength, undertake severe austerities not sanctioned by the scriptures;

Swami AdidevanandaThose men who practice terrible austerities not enjoined by the scriptures, given to ostentation and conceit, and prompted by the force of sensual desires and passions;

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThose men who practise terrible austerities not as enjoined in the scriptures, who are bound by hypocrisy and conceit, and are impelled by the force of passion for desired objects;

Shri Purohit SwamiThose who practice austerities not commanded by scripture, who are enslaved to hypocrisy and egotism, who are carried away by the fury of desire and passion,

39.6MBH-6-39-6

कर्शयन्तः शरीरस्थं भूतग्राममचेतसः । मां चैवान्तःशरीरस्थं तान्विद्ध्यासुरनिश्चयान् ॥

karśayantaḥ śarīrasthaṁ bhūtagrāmam acetasaḥ । māṁ caivāntaḥśarīrasthaṁ tān viddhy āsuraniścayān ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaऔर शरीरस्थ भूतसमुदाय को तथा मुझ अन्तर्यामी को भी कृश करने वाले अर्थात् कष्ट पहुँचाने वाले जो अविवेकी लोग हैं, उन्हें तुम आसुरी निश्चय वाले जानो।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.6 (minor wording variants between the critical edition and the Gita edition). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaKnow thou these to be of demonical resolves, senselessly torturing all the elements in the body and Me who dwell in the body.

Swami Gambirananda(And those who,) being non-discriminating, torture all the organs in the body as well as even Me who reside in the body—know them to be possessed of demoniacal conviction.

Swami AdidevanandaThese foolish men, who torture the group of elements in their bodies and Me, who dwell within the body—know them to be demoniacal in their resolves.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThose who unintelligently emaciate the conglomeration of elements in their physical body and emaciate Me, dwelling within the physical body—know them to be of a demoniac resolve.

Shri Purohit SwamiThey are ignorant and torment the organs of the body, harassing Me who lives within. Know that they are devoted to evil.

39.7MBH-6-39-7

आहारस्त्वपि सर्वस्य त्रिविधो भवति प्रियः । यज्ञस्तपस्तथा दानं तेषां भेदमिमं शृणु ॥

āhāras tv api sarvasya trividho bhavati priyaḥ । yajñas tapas tathā dānaṁ teṣāṁ bhedam imaṁ śr̥ṇu ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayananda(अपनीअपनी प्रकृति के अनुसार) सब का प्रिय भोजन भी तीन प्रकार का होता है? उसी प्रकार यज्ञ? तप और दान भी तीन प्रकार के होते हैं? उनके भेद को तुम मुझसे सुनो।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.7 (minor wording variants between the critical edition and the Gita edition). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe food that is dear to each is threefold, as well as sacrifice, austerity, and almsgiving. Hear the distinction of these.

Swami GambiranandaFood, which is dear to all, is of three kinds; likewise, sacrifices, austerity, and charity are also of three kinds. Listen to this classification of them.

Swami AdidevanandaEven the food that is dear to all is threefold; so too are sacrifices, austerities, and gifts. Listen to this distinction among them.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanFurther, the food which is dear to all is of three kinds. So too are their sacrifice, austerity, and charity. Listen to this distinction of them.

Shri Purohit SwamiThe food that people enjoy is also threefold, like the ways of sacrifice, austerity, and almsgiving. Listen to the distinction.

39.8MBH-6-39-8

आयुःसत्त्वबलारोग्यसुखप्रीतिविवर्धनाः । रस्याः स्निग्धाः स्थिरा हृद्या आहाराः सात्त्विकप्रियाः ॥

āyuḥsattvabalārogyasukhaprītivivardhanāḥ । rasyāḥ snigdhāḥ sthirā hr̥dyā āhārāḥ sāttvikapriyāḥ ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaआयु, सत्त्व (शुद्धि), बल, आरोग्य, सुख और प्रीति को प्रवृद्ध करने वाले एवं रसयुक्त, स्निग्ध ( घी आदि की चिकनाई से युक्त) स्थिर तथा मन को प्रसन्न करने वाले आहार अर्थात् भोज्य पदार्थ सात्त्विक पुरुषों को प्रिय होते हैं।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.8 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe foods that increase life, purity, strength, health, joy, and cheerfulness (good appetite), which are savory, oily, substantial, and agreeable, are dear to the Sattvic (pure) people.

Swami GambiranandaFoods that augment life, firmness of mind, strength, health, happiness, and delight, and which are succulent, oleaginous, substantial, and agreeable, are dear to one endowed with sattva.

Swami AdidevanandaFoods that promote longevity, intellectual alertness, strength, health, pleasure, and happiness, and those that are sweet, oily, substantial, and agreeable, are dear to sattvic men.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe foods that increase life, energy, strength, good health, happiness, and satisfaction; which are delicious, soft, substantial, and pleasant to the heart (stomach); they are dear to the men of the Sattva strand.

Shri Purohit SwamiThe foods that prolong life, increase purity, vigour, health, cheerfulness, and happiness are those that are delicious, soothing, substantial, and agreeable; these are loved by the pure.

39.9MBH-6-39-9

कट्वम्ललवणात्युष्णतीक्ष्णरूक्षविदाहिनः । आहारा राजसस्येष्टा दुःखशोकामयप्रदाः ॥

kaṭvamlalavaṇātyuṣṇatīkṣṇarūkṣavidāhinaḥ । āhārā rājasasyeṣṭā duḥkhaśokāmayapradāḥ ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaकड़वे, खट्टे, लवणयुक्त, अति उष्ण, तीक्ष्ण (तीखे, मिर्च युक्त), रूखे. दाहकारक, दु:ख, शोक और रोग उत्पन्न कारक भोज्य पदार्थ राजस पुरुष को प्रिय होते हैं।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.9 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe foods that are bitter, sour, salty, overly hot, pungent, dry, and burning are liked by the Rajasic and are productive of pain, grief, and disease.

Swami GambiranandaFoods that are bitter, sour, salty, very hot, pungent, dry, and burning, producing pain, sorrow, and disease, are dear to one who has rajas.

Swami AdidevanandaFoods that are bitter, sour, very salty, excessively heating, highly pungent, dry, and burning are all dear to Rajasika men; they cause pain, sorrow, and disease.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe foods killed by men of the Rajas strand are those that are bitter, sour, salty, very hot, harsh, dry, and burning; and which cause pain, grief, and disease.

Shri Purohit SwamiThose in whom passion is dominant like foods that are bitter, sour, salty, overly hot, pungent, dry, and burning. These produce unhappiness, repentance, and disease.

39.10MBH-6-39-10

यातयामं गतरसं पूति पर्युषितं च यत् । उच्छिष्टमपि चामेध्यं भोजनं तामसप्रियम् ॥

yātayāmaṁ gatarasaṁ pūti paryuṣitaṁ ca yat । ucchiṣṭam api cāmedhyaṁ bhojanaṁ tāmasapriyam ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaअर्धपक्व, रसरहित, दुर्गन्धयुक्त, बासी, उच्छिष्ट तथा अपवित्र (अमेध्य) अन्न तामस जनों को प्रिय होता है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.10 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThat which is stale, tasteless, putrid, rotten, rejected, and impure is the food liked by the Tamasic.

Swami GambiranandaFood that is not properly cooked, lacking in essence, putrid and stale, as well as that which is unfit for sacrifice, is dear to one possessed of tamas.

Swami AdidevanandaThat food which is stale, tasteless, putrid, decayed, rejected, unclean, is dear to those of a Tamasic nature.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanWhat is old, tasteless, foul-smelling, and stale; what is also left over after eating, and is impure - such food is dear to the men of Tamas (Strand).

Shri Purohit SwamiThe ignorant love food that is stale, not nourishing, putrid, and corrupt; the leftovers of others, and unclean.

39.11MBH-6-39-11

अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदृष्टो य इज्यते । यष्टव्यमेवेति मनः समाधाय स सात्त्विकः ॥

aphalākāṅkṣibhir yajño vidhidr̥ṣṭo ya ijyate । yaṣṭavyam eveti manaḥ samādhāya sa sāttvikaḥ ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaजो यज्ञ शास्त्रविधि से नियन्त्रित किया हुआ तथा जिसे "यह मेरा कर्तव्य है" ऐसा मन का समाधान (निश्चय) कर फल की आकांक्षा नहीं रखने वाले लोगों के द्वारा किया जाता है, वह यज्ञ सात्त्विक है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.11 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThat 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.

Swami GambiranandaThat sacrifice which is in accordance with the injunctions, performed by persons who do not hanker after results, and with the mental conviction that it is surely obligatory, is done through sattva.

Swami AdidevanandaThe sacrifice (worship) marked by Sattva is what is offered by those who desire no fruit and have the conviction that it should be performed as prescribed in the scriptures.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThat sacrifice of the Sattva (Strand) is offered, as prescribed, by those who desire no reward, steadying their minds with the thought that it is simply something to be offered.

Shri Purohit SwamiSacrifice is pure when it is offered by one who does not covet the fruit of it, when it is done according to the commands of scripture, and with implicit faith that the sacrifice is a duty.

39.12MBH-6-39-12

अभिसंधाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत् । इज्यते भरतश्रेष्ठ तं यज्ञं विद्धि राजसम् ॥

abhisaṁdhāya tu phalaṁ dambhārtham api caiva yat । ijyate bharataśreṣṭha taṁ yajñaṁ viddhi rājasam ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaहे भरतश्रेष्ठ अर्जुन ! जो यज्ञ दम्भ के लिए तथा फल की आकांक्षा रख कर किया जाता है, उस यज्ञ को तुम राजस समझो।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.12 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe sacrifice that is offered, O Arjuna, seeking a reward and for show, know that to be a Rajasic Yajna.

Swami GambiranandaBut that sacrifice which is performed with an aim for a result, as well as for show—know that sacrifice to be done through rajas, O greatest among the descendants of Bharata.

Swami AdidevanandaBut that sacrifice which is offered with the intention of gaining a reward and for the sake of show, know it, O Arjuna, to be Rajasic.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanWhat is offered aiming at fruit and also only for the sake of display—know that sacrifice to be of the Rajas strand and to be transitory and impermanent.

Shri Purohit SwamiSacrifice which is performed for the sake of its results, or for self-glorification - that, O best of Aryans, is the product of passion.

39.13MBH-6-39-13

विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम् । श्रद्धाविरहितं यज्ञं तामसं परिचक्षते ॥

vidhihīnam asr̥ṣṭānnaṁ mantrahīnam adakṣiṇam । śraddhāvirahitaṁ yajñaṁ tāmasaṁ paricakṣate ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaशास्त्रविधि से रहित, अन्नदान से रहित, बिना मन्त्रों, बिना दक्षिणा और बिना श्रद्धा के किये हुए यज्ञ को तामस यज्ञ कहते हैं।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.13 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThey declare that sacrifice to be Tamasic which is contrary to the ordinances of the scriptures, in which no food is distributed, and which is devoid of mantras, gifts, and faith.

Swami GambiranandaThey declare that sacrifice as 'done through tamas' which is contrary to injunction, in which no food is distributed, in which no mantras are used, in which no offerings are made to priests, and which is devoid of faith.

Swami AdidevanandaThat sacrifice which is devoid of authority, which uses offerings not sanctioned by the Sastras, which is performed without recitation of hymns and devoid of gifts and faith - that, they say, is marked by Tamas.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThey declare that sacrifice to be of the Tamas (Strand) which is devoid of scriptural injunction, in which there is no recitation of Vedic hymns, where no food and sacrificial fee are distributed, and which is completely devoid of faith.

Shri Purohit SwamiSacrifice that is contrary to scriptural command, that is unaccompanied by prayers or gifts of food or money, and is without faith—that is the product of ignorance.

39.14MBH-6-39-14

देवद्विजगुरुप्राज्ञपूजनं शौचमार्जवम् । ब्रह्मचर्यमहिंसा च शारीरं तप उच्यते ॥

devadvijaguruprājñapūjanaṁ śaucam ārjavam । brahmacaryam ahiṁsā ca śārīraṁ tapa ucyate ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaदेव, द्विज (ब्राह्मण), गुरु और ज्ञानी जनों का पूजन, शौच, आर्जव (सरलता), ब्रह्मचर्य और अहिंसा, यह शरीर संबंधी तप कहा जाता है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.14 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaWorship of the gods, the twice-born, the teachers, and the wise; purity, straightforwardness, celibacy, and non-injury are all called the austerities of the body.

Swami GambiranandaThe worship of gods, twice-borns, venerable persons, and the wise; purity, straightforwardness, celibacy, and non-injury—these are said to be bodily austerities.

Swami AdidevanandaWorshiping the gods, the twice-born, the preceptors, the enlightened ones, practicing purity, uprightness, continence, and non-injury—these are called austerity of the body.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe worship of the gods, the twice-born, the elders, and the wise; purity, honesty, continence, and harmlessness—all this is said to be bodily austerity.

Shri Purohit SwamiWorship of God and the Master; respect for the preacher and the philosopher; purity, rectitude, continence, and harmlessness—all of these constitute physical austerity.

39.15MBH-6-39-15

अनुद्वेगकरं वाक्यं सत्यं प्रियहितं च यत् । स्वाध्यायाभ्यसनं चैव वाङ्मयं तप उच्यते ॥

anudvegakaraṁ vākyaṁ satyaṁ priyahitaṁ ca yat । svādhyāyābhyasanaṁ caiva vāṅmayaṁ tapa ucyate ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaजो वाक्य (भाषण) उद्वेग उत्पन्न करने वाला नहीं है, जो प्रिय, हितकारक और सत्य है तथा वेदों का स्वाध्याय अभ्यास वाङ्मय (वाणी का) तप कहलाता है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.15 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaSpeech that causes no excitement, is truthful, pleasant, and beneficial; the practice of studying the Vedas is called austerity of speech.

Swami GambiranandaThat speech which causes no pain, which is true, agreeable, and beneficial; as well as the practice of studying the scriptures—is said to be the austerity of speech.

Swami AdidevanandaSpeech that causes no shock, is true, pleasant, and beneficial, and also the practice of reciting scriptures, is called the austerity of speech.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe unoffending speech which is true, pleasant, and beneficial; as well as the practice of regular recitation of the Vedas—all this is said to be an austerity of the speech-sense.

Shri Purohit SwamiSpeech that hurts no one, that is true, pleasant to listen to, and beneficial, and the constant study of the scriptures—this is austerity of speech.

39.16MBH-6-39-16

मनःप्रसादः सौम्यत्वं मौनमात्मविनिग्रहः । भावसंशुद्धिरित्येतत्तपो मानसमुच्यते ॥

manaḥprasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ maunam ātmavinigrahaḥ । bhāvasaṁśuddhir ity etat tapo mānasam ucyate ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaमन की प्रसन्नता, सौम्यभाव, मौन आत्मसंयम और अन्त:करण की शुद्धि यह सब मानस तप कहलाता है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.16 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaSerenity of mind, good-heartedness, self-control, and purity of nature—this is called mental austerity.

Swami GambiranandaTranquility of mind, gentleness, reticence, withdrawal of the mind, purity of heart—these are what are called mental austerities.

Swami AdidevanandaSerenity of mind, benevolence, silence, self-control, and purity of mind—these are known as austerity of the mind.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe serenity of mind, the stillness, the taciturnity, the self-control, the purity of thought—all this is called mental austerity.

Shri Purohit SwamiSerenity, kindness, silence, self-control, and purity—these are the austerities of the mind.

39.17MBH-6-39-17

श्रद्धया परया तप्तं तपस्तत्त्रिविधं नरैः । अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्युक्तैः सात्त्विकं परिचक्षते ॥

śraddhayā parayā taptaṁ tapas tat trividhaṁ naraiḥ । aphalākāṅkṣibhir yuktaiḥ sāttvikaṁ paricakṣate ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaफल की आकांक्षा न रखने वाले युक्त पुरुषों के द्वारा परम श्रद्धा से किये गये उस पूर्वोक्त त्रिविध तप को सात्त्विक कहते हैं।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.17 (minor wording variants between the critical edition and the Gita edition). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThis threefold austerity, practiced by steadfast men, with the utmost faith, desiring no reward, is called Sattvic.

Swami GambiranandaWhen that threefold austerity is undertaken with supreme faith by people who do not hanker after results and are self-controlled, they speak of it as being born of sattva.

Swami AdidevanandaThe threefold austerity, practiced with supreme faith by men who desire no fruit and are devoted—they call it austerity of Sattva.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThis three-fold austerity, observed with best faith, by men who are masters of Yoga and have no desire for its fruits—they call it to be of the Sattva.

Shri Purohit SwamiThese threefold austerities, performed with faith and without thought of reward, can truly be considered pure.

39.18MBH-6-39-18

सत्कारमानपूजार्थं तपो दम्भेन चैव यत् । क्रियते तदिह प्रोक्तं राजसं चलमध्रुवम् ॥

satkāramānapūjārthaṁ tapo dambhena caiva yat । kriyate tad iha proktaṁ rājasaṁ calam adhruvam ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaजो तप सत्कार, मान और पूजा के लिए अथवा केवल दम्भ (पाखण्ड) से ही किया जाता है, वह अनिश्चित और क्षणिक तप यहाँ राजस कहा गया है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.18 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe austerity that is practiced with the aim of gaining good reception, honor, and worship, and with hypocrisy, is said to be Rajasic, unstable, and transient.

Swami GambiranandaThat austerity which is undertaken for earning a name, being honored and worshipped, and also ostentatiously—that is spoken of as born of rajas, belonging to this world, uncertain, and transitory.

Swami AdidevanandaThat austerity, practiced with ostentation for the sake of gaining respect, praise, and reverence, is here said to be Rajasa. It is unsteady and impermanent.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe austerity that is practiced for gaining respect, honor, and reverence, and with sheer show—that is called here [austerity] of the Rajas, and it is unstable and impermanent.

Shri Purohit SwamiAusterity coupled with hypocrisy, or performed for the sake of self-glorification, popularity, or vanity, comes from passion, and its result is always uncertain and temporary.

39.19MBH-6-39-19

मूढग्राहेणात्मनो यत्पीडया क्रियते तपः । परस्योत्सादनार्थं वा तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥

mūḍhagrāheṇātmano yat pīḍayā kriyate tapaḥ । parasyotsādanārthaṁ vā tat tāmasam udāhr̥tam ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaजो तप मूढ़तापूर्वक स्वयं को पीड़ित करते हुए अथवा अन्य लोगों के नाश के लिए किया जाता है, वह तप तामस कहा गया है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.19 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThat austerity which is practised out of a foolish notion, with self-torture, or for the purpose of destroying another, is declared to be of the Tamasic nature.

Swami GambiranandaThat austerity which is undertaken with a foolish intent, causing pain to oneself or for the destruction of others, is said to be born of tamas.

Swami AdidevanandaThat austerity which is practised from deluded notions by means of self-torture or to injure another is said to be Tamasika.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanWhat austerity is practised with foolish obstinacy and self-torture only in order to destroy others—that is declared to be of the Tamas.

Shri Purohit SwamiAusterity done under delusion, and accompanied with sorcery or the infliction of pain upon oneself or another, may be assumed to spring from ignorance.

39.20MBH-6-39-20

दातव्यमिति यद्दानं दीयतेऽनुपकारिणे । देशे काले च पात्रे च तद्दानं सात्त्विकं स्मृतम् ॥

dātavyam iti yad dānaṁ dīyate ’nupakāriṇe । deśe kāle ca pātre ca tad dānaṁ sāttvikaṁ smr̥tam ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayananda"दान देना ही कर्तव्य है" - इस भाव से जो दान योग्य देश, काल को देखकर ऐसे (योग्य) पात्र (व्यक्ति) को दिया जाता है, जिससे प्रत्युपकार की अपेक्षा नहीं होती है, वह दान सात्त्विक माना गया है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.20 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThat 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.

Swami GambiranandaThat gift is referred to as born of sattva which is given with the idea that it should be given, to one who will not serve in return, at the right place, right time, and to the right person.

Swami AdidevanandaGifts given with the feeling that it is one's own duty to give, to one who makes no return, at the proper place and time to the deserving person—that is said to be sattvika.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanA gift that is given with the thought that 'one must give' and is given in an appropriate place and at the right time to a worthy person who is unable to repay—that gift is considered to be of the Sattva.

Shri Purohit SwamiThe gift that is given without thought of recompense, believing it should be made, in an appropriate place, at an opportune time, and to a deserving person—such a gift is pure.

39.21MBH-6-39-21

यत्तु प्रत्युपकारार्थं फलमुद्दिश्य वा पुनः । दीयते च परिक्लिष्टं तद्दानं राजसं स्मृतम् ॥

yat tu pratyupakārārthaṁ phalam uddiśya vā punaḥ । dīyate ca parikliṣṭaṁ tad dānaṁ rājasaṁ smr̥tam ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaऔर जो दान क्लेशपूर्वक तथा प्रत्युपकार के उद्देश्य से अथवा फल की कामना रखकर दिया जाता हैं, वह दान राजस माना गया है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.21 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaAnd, that gift which is given with the intention of receiving something in return, or expecting a reward, or begrudgingly, is considered to be Rajasic.

Swami GambiranandaBut the gift which is given expecting reciprocation, or with a desire for its result, and grudgingly, is considered to be born of rajas.

Swami AdidevanandaBut that which is given as a consideration for something received or in expectation of a future reward, or grudgingly, is called a Rajasika gift.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanBut what is given in return for a favor, or with the expectation of a reward, and which is done with much agitation—that gift is said to be of the Rajas.

Shri Purohit SwamiThat which is given for the sake of the results it will produce, or with the hope of recompense, or grudgingly—that may truly be said to be the outcome of passion.

39.22MBH-6-39-22

अदेशकाले यद्दानमपात्रेभ्यश्च दीयते । असत्कृतमवज्ञातं तत्तामसमुदाहृतम् ॥

adeśakāle yad dānam apātrebhyaś ca dīyate । asatkr̥tam avajñātaṁ tat tāmasam udāhr̥tam ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaजो दान बिना सत्कार किये, अथवा तिरस्कारपूर्वक, अयोग्य देशकाल में, कुपात्रों के लिए दिया जाता है, वह दान तामस माना गया है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.22 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe gift that is given in the wrong place and at the wrong time, to unworthy persons, without respect or with insult, is declared to be of a Tamasic nature.

Swami GambiranandaThe gift which is made at an inappropriate place and time, and to undeserving persons, without proper respect and with disdain, is declared to be born of tamas.

Swami AdidevanandaThat gift which is given at the wrong place, wrong time, to an unworthy recipient, without due respect and with contempt, is called the gift of a Tamasa nature.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanThe gift which is given at an inappropriate place, time, and to unworthy persons, and which is converted into a bad act and is disrespected—that is declared to be of the Tamas.

Shri Purohit SwamiAnd that which is given at an inappropriate place or time or to one who is undeserving, or with disrespect or contempt - such a gift is the result of ignorance.

39.23MBH-6-39-23

ओं तत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविधः स्मृतः । ब्राह्मणास्तेन वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च विहिताः पुरा ॥

oṁ tat sad iti nirdeśo brahmaṇas trividhaḥ smr̥taḥ । brāhmaṇās tena vedāś ca yajñāś ca vihitāḥ purā ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayananda'ऊँ, तत् सत्' ऐसा यह ब्रह्म का त्रिविध निर्देश (नाम) कहा गया है; उसी से आदिकाल में (पुरा) ब्राहम्ण, वेद और यज्ञ निर्मित हुए हैं।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.23 (minor wording variants between the critical edition and the Gita edition). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami Sivananda"Om Tat Sat": This has been declared to be the triple designation of Brahman. By that, the Brahmanas, the Vedas, and the sacrifices were created formerly.

Swami Gambirananda"Om-tat-sat" - this is considered to be the threefold designation of Brahman. The Brahmanas, Vedas, and sacrifices were ordained by that in days of yore.

Swami AdidevanandaOm, Tat, Sat—thus, Brahman is denoted by this threefold expression. In the past, Brahmanas, the Vedas, and sacrifices were ordained in association with these.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanOM TAT SAT: This is held to be the three-fold indication of Brahman. Through this, the Vedas and sacrifices were fashioned by Brahma in the past.

Shri Purohit SwamiOm Tat Sat is the triple designation of the Eternal Spirit, by which the Vedic Scriptures, ceremonials, and sacrifices were ordained of old.

39.24MBH-6-39-24

तस्मादोमित्युदाहृत्य यज्ञदानतपःक्रियाः । प्रवर्तन्ते विधानोक्ताः सततं ब्रह्मवादिनाम् ॥

tasmād om ity udāhr̥tya yajñadānatapaḥkriyāḥ । pravartante vidhānoktāḥ satataṁ brahmavādinām ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaइसलिए, ब्रह्मवादियों की शास्त्र प्रतिपादित यज्ञ, दान और तप की क्रियायें सदैव ओंकार के उच्चारण के साथ प्रारम्भ होती हैं।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.24 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaTherefore, with the utterance of "Om," the acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity, as enjoined in the scriptures, are always begun by the students of Brahman.

Swami GambiranandaTherefore, acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity, as prescribed through injunctions, of those who study and expound the Vedas, always commence after uttering the syllable ‘Om’.

Swami AdidevanandaTherefore, the Veda-enjoined sacrificial acts, gifts, and austerities, expounded by the Vedas, or those belonging to the first three stations, are always begun after pronouncing Om at the beginning.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanTherefore, the scripture-prescribed acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity of those who are habituated to having Brahman-discourses invariably commence with the utterance of OM.

Shri Purohit SwamiTherefore, all acts of sacrifice, gifts, and austerities prescribed by the scriptures are always begun by those who understand the Spirit with the word "Om."

39.25MBH-6-39-25

तदित्यनभिसंधाय फलं यज्ञतपःक्रियाः । दानक्रियाश्च विविधाः क्रियन्ते मोक्षकाङ्क्षिभिः ॥

tad ity anabhisaṁdhāya phalaṁ yajñatapaḥkriyāḥ । dānakriyāś ca vividhāḥ kriyante mokṣakāṅkṣibhiḥ ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayananda'तत्' शब्द का उच्चारण कर, फल की इच्छा नहीं रखते हुए, मुमुक्षुजन यज्ञ, तप, दान आदि विविध कर्म करते हैं।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.25 (minor wording variants between the critical edition and the Gita edition). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaUttering "Tat," without aiming for the fruits, are the acts of sacrifice, austerity, and the various acts of gifts performed by those seeking liberation.

Swami GambiranandaAfter uttering the word "tat," acts of sacrifice and austerity, as well as various acts of charity, are performed without regard for results by persons aspiring for liberation.

Swami AdidevanandaActs of sacrifice, austerity, and various gifts are performed without aiming at a reward by those who seek release, after pronouncing Tat.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanWith the utterance of TAT, and without aiming for the fruit, those who seek emancipation perform acts of sacrifice, austerity, and various acts of giving.

Shri Purohit SwamiThose who desire deliverance begin their acts of sacrifice, austerity, or gift with the word "Tat" (meaning "That"), without thought of reward.

39.26MBH-6-39-26

सद्भावे साधुभावे च सदित्येतत्प्रयुज्यते । प्रशस्ते कर्मणि तथा सच्छब्दः पार्थ युज्यते ॥

sadbhāve sādhubhāve ca sad ity etat prayujyate । praśaste karmaṇi tathā sacchabdaḥ pārtha yujyate ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaहे पार्थ ! सत्य भाव व साधुभाव में 'सत्' शब्द का प्रयोग किया जाता है, और प्रशस्त (श्रेष्ठ, शुभ) कर्म में 'सत्' शब्द प्रयुक्त होता है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.26 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaThe word "Sat" is used to refer to reality and goodness; likewise, O Arjuna, the word "Sat" is used to refer to an auspicious act.

Swami GambiranandaThis word "sat" is used with regard to something coming into being and someone becoming good. Likewise, O son of Prtha, the word "sat" is used with regard to an auspicious rite.

Swami AdidevanandaThis term "Sat" is used in the sense of existence and goodness. And so also, O Arjuna, the word "Sat" is applied to an auspicious action.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanIn the sense of 'right' (or 'manifesting as being') and in the sense of 'proper' (or 'manifesting perfectly'), this word SAT is employed. Likewise, the word SAT is used with regard to the praiseworthy act; O son of Prtha!

Shri Purohit SwamiSat' means Reality or the highest Good, and also, O Arjuna, it is used to denote an action of exceptional merit.

39.27MBH-6-39-27

यज्ञे तपसि दाने च स्थितिः सदिति चोच्यते । कर्म चैव तदर्थीयं सदित्येवाभिधीयते ॥

yajñe tapasi dāne ca sthitiḥ sad iti cocyate । karma caiva tadarthīyaṁ sad ity evābhidhīyate ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaयज्ञ, तप और दान में दृढ़ स्थिति भी सत् कही जाती है, और उस (परमात्मा) के लिए किया गया कर्म भी सत् ही कहलाता है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.27 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaSteadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and gift is also called 'Sat', and action in connection with these, or for the sake of the Supreme, is also called 'Sat'.

Swami GambiranandaAnd the steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and charity is spoken of as sat (good). And even the action meant for these is, indeed, called as sat.

Swami AdidevanandaDevotion to sacrifice, austerity, and gifts is also referred to as Sat; and thus, any action for such purposes is known as Sat.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanSteadfastness is performing sacrifice, austerity, and giving gifts; this act is hence justly called SAT.

Shri Purohit SwamiConviction in sacrifice, austerity, and giving is also called Sat. So too, an action done only for the Lord's sake.

39.28MBH-6-39-28

अश्रद्धया हुतं दत्तं तपस्तप्तं कृतं च यत् । असदित्युच्यते पार्थ न च तत्प्रेत्य नो इह ॥

aśraddhayā hutaṁ dattaṁ tapas taptaṁ kr̥taṁ ca yat । asad ity ucyate pārtha na ca tat pretya no iha ॥

Hindi

Swami Tejomayanandaहे पार्थ ! जो यज्ञ, दान, तप और कर्म अश्रद्धापूर्वक किया जाता है, वह 'असत्' कहा जाता है; वह न इस लोक में (इह) और न मरण के पश्चात् (उस लोक में) लाभदायक होता है।।

Same verse as Bhagavad Gītā 17.28 (identical Sanskrit text). Translations are the published Gītā Supersite translations.

Translation

Swami SivanandaWhatever is sacrificed, given, or performed, and whatever austerity is practiced without faith, it is called 'Asat', O Arjuna; it is of no value here or hereafter (after death).

Swami GambiranandaO son of Prtha, whatever is offered in sacrifice and given in charity, as also whatever austerity is undertaken or whatever is done without faith, is said to be of no avail. And it is of no consequence after death, nor here.

Swami AdidevanandaWhatever offering or gift is made, whatever austerity is practiced, and whatever action is performed without faith, that is called Asat, O Arjuna. It is of no value here or hereafter.

Dr. S. SankaranarayanWithout faith, whatever oblation is offered, whatever gift is made, whatever austerity is practiced, and whatever action is undertaken, that is called ASAT and it is of no avail after one's death or in this world.

Shri Purohit SwamiWhatever is done without faith, whether it be sacrifice, austerity, gift, or anything else, is called Asat (meaning "Unreal"), for it is the negation of Sat, O Arjuna! Such an act has no significance, here or hereafter.