Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 11

English Translation

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

Detailed Commentary

Yāshtavyam eva — Since we have obtained this human body and the right to perform duties, it is our *Kartavya* (duty) to perform *Yajña* according to the scriptural injunctions of our *Varṇāśrama*. It should be regarded merely as a duty, without any other sentiment. Duty alone should be the sole objective. One should entertain no expectation of what will be gained from the *Yajña*. The Lord states that the mind should find contentment in acknowledging that performing *Yajña* is our *Kartavya*. Aphalākāṅkṣibhiḥ — While performing *Yajña*, one should not desire its fruits. Perform *Yajña* according to the rules of the *Śāstras*. A *Yajña* performed in this manner is *Sāttvic*. *Sāttviktā* (the quality of *Sattva*) signifies that if a *Yajña* is performed solely as a duty, no personal connection arises from it. However, when there is a desire for personal gain, one becomes attached to the *Yajña*. Thus, desiring the fruits creates a personal bond with the *Yajña*. The Lord has stated that as one's *Śraddhā* (faith) is, so are one's actions. There is a connection between the doer (*Kartā*) and the action (*Karma*), and this leads to *Bandhana* (bondage). By performing *Karma* solely as a *Kartavya*, the *Kartā* can be liberated from the *Karma*. To have no connection with *Karma* means there is no attachment to the materials, time, or place involved. One simply performs duty as a human being. By doing so, the *Kartā* is not bound by the fruits. The *Gītā* states that the action (*Kriyā*) and fruit (*Phala*) of *Yajña* are perishable, while the *Ātmā* is eternal. As long as one does not relinquish this connection, one remains in *Bandhana*. One erroneously assumes that the *Kriyā* and *Phala* belong to oneself. In this sense, the *Sattvaguṇa* described in the *Gītā* severs one's connection with the *Saṃsāra* (world) and directs one towards *Paramātmā*. In *Daivī Sampatti* (divine virtues), all qualities are *Sāttvic*, yet to attain *Paramātmā*, one must transcend all *Guṇas*.