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Study a Verse
Pick any verse to see what it means and how to use it in your life.
Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 17.11
अफलाकाङ्क्षिभिर्यज्ञो विधिदिष्टो य इज्यते ।
यष्टव्यमेवेति मन: समाधाय स सात्त्विक: ॥ ११ ॥
aphalākāṅkṣibhir yajño
vidhi-diṣṭo ya ijyate
yaṣṭavyam eveti manaḥ
samādhāya sa sāttvikaḥ
Of sacrifices, the sacrifice performed according to the directions of scripture, as a matter of duty, by those who desire no reward, is of the nature of goodness.
Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.ioWhat this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.
3 study points
Sacrifice is in goodness when done according to scripture, as a duty, without wanting a reward.
Prabhupāda explains that worship should offer respect to the Supreme Personality of Godhead, not seek material benefit.
Visit a temple or church as a duty, offering respect, flowers and food without seeking material gain.
Sacrifice in the mode of goodness
According to directions of scripture
As a matter of duty
e.g. To go to temple/church as a duty and not for economic benefit
Duty of every civilized man
To obey scriptural injunctions
To offer respect to Supreme Personality of Godhead
Desire no reward
General tendency is to offer with a purpose in mind
Sacrifices can also be performed in the modes –
Dutifully in goodness
Fruitively in passion
Unfaithfully in ignorance
Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.
The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.
Key ideas: prakṛti, guṇa.
Take one thing from this verse into your day.
What does BG 17.11 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to nature & guṇas?
Observe which mode shaped your last decision.
Mahābhārata episodes and stories from the purports that shed light on this verse.
Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.
Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.