Verse 17.12 : Sraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga "Three Divisions of Faith"
Verse 12 of 28
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The Translation
“But that sacrifice which is offered seeking a reward, and for the sake of ostentation and show, O best of the Bharatas, know that to be in the mode of passion (Rajasic).”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna describes Rajasic sacrifice. In the epic Mahabharata, king Duryodhana often performed grand sacrifices not out of devotion, but to display his immense wealth and power, seeking to intimidate his rivals.
Practical Application
1
Check your motives before sharing an achievement or doing a good deed: are you doing it for show or for connection?
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- When does a good deed (like donating to charity) become Rajasic? How does expecting public recognition affect the spiritual value of your action?
- How can we catch ourselves when we do things 'for show' (dambhārtham)?
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17.12
अभिसन्धाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत्
Shankara comments that Rajasic sacrifice is focused on external pomp and personal ambition. Even if the ritual is performed correctly according to rules, the egoistic motive of the performer ruins its purifying effect, keeping them bound to the cycle of karma.