Bhagavad Gita Chapter 17, Verse 28

English Translation

O son of Prtha, whatever is offered in sacrifice and given in charity, as also whatever austerity is undertakne or whatever is done without, faith, is said to be of on avail. And it is of no conseence after death, nor here.

Detailed Commentary

।।17.28।। Explanation -- Yajna, Daana, and Tapas performed without Shraddha are all called Asat. The term 'Ashraddhaya' signifies the absence or negation of Shraddha. This implies that demonic individuals do not believe in the other world (paraloka), reincarnation (punarjanma), Dharma, or Ishvara (God). They perform Yajnas, Daana (charity), and similar actions merely for their social image. They also engage in scriptural actions because they are customary in society and people consider them good. If someone performs any scriptural action without Shraddha, it is called Asat. It bears no fruit either in this world (ihloka) or the other (paraloka). Such actions do not yield wealth, property, or the attainment of Svarga (heaven) and the like. Only by performing scriptural actions with correct method and Shraddha can one achieve purification (shuddhi) and the attainment of Paramatma (the Supreme Self). It is also clarified here that sinful actions (paapakarma) are also performed without Shraddha, yet their fruits are definitely received. Actions performed with attachment (raga) by attached individuals definitely yield results for them. Therefore, those endowed with demonic qualities (aasuri sampada) go to Naraka (hell). If even a small, ordinary action is performed for the purpose of Paramatma, without desire (nishkama), then it is Sat and leads to the attainment of Paramatma. However, even the grandest Yajna, if performed without Shraddha, becomes Asat. Therefore, in the attainment of Paramatma, it is not the action but Shraddha that holds primary importance. The Vedas, Bhagavan (God), and Shastras (scriptures) have, out of grace, prescribed actions for welfare, but actions performed without Shraddha are Asat. Those who act in such a way receive no fruit for their good deeds; this itself is their punishment. One should perform scripturally enjoined actions like Yajna, Daana, Tapas, Tirthas (pilgrimages), and Vratas (vows) with Shraddha and a selfless attitude (nishkamabhava). Bhagavan has given the human body, and performing auspicious actions (shubha karma) in it benefits everyone. Therefore, superior actions should be performed with Shraddha and for the pleasure of Bhagavan. Thus, with the chanting of Bhagavan's names like 'Tat' and 'Sat', the seventeenth chapter of Shrimad Bhagavad Gita, the Division of Shraddha, concludes.