Bhagavad Gita 17.12

Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

The sacrifice which is offered, O Arjuna, seeking a reward and for ostentation, know thou that to be a Rajasic Yajna.

Sanskrit

अभिसन्धाय तु फलं दम्भार्थमपि चैव यत् | इज्यते भरतश्रेष्ठ तं यज्ञं विद्धि राजसम् ||१७-१२||

Transliteration

abhisandhāya tu phalaṃ dambhārthamapi caiva yat . ijyate bharataśreṣṭha taṃ yajñaṃ viddhi rājasam ||17-12||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna that a sacrifice performed with the primary goal of receiving rewards or showing off is considered 'Rajasic' (passionate and ego-driven). He clarifies that true spiritual practice should not be tainted by selfish desires for fame or material gain. This teaching distinguishes between actions done out of duty versus those driven by personal ambition.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse is a core teaching within the framework of Karma Yoga (the yoga of selfless action) and Sankhya philosophy, specifically addressing the three Gunas or modes of material nature. It develops the concept that the quality of an action depends entirely on the motivation behind it; actions driven by Rajas are inherently unstable and binding due to their attachment to results.

Word by Word

अभिसंधाय seeking for, तु indeed, फलम् fruit, दम्भार्थम् for ostentation, अपि also, च and, एव even, यत् which, इज्यते is offered, भरतश्रेष्ठ O best of the Bharatas, तम् that, यज्ञम् sacrifice, विद्धि know, राजसम् Rajasic

Classical Commentary

If anyone performs a sacrifice in order to obtain, heaven, son, wealth, or name and fame, then it is a sacrifice of a Rajasic nature. The performer of this kind of sacrifice has the motive of increasing his own importance, for popularising his own name in the world, for gaining some reward, for showing himself off as a great, pious and learned man, for making an exhibition of his riches for his own glorificaion. He has no aspiration for attaining the knowledge of the Self.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs during the Bhagavad Gita discourse on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna has just expressed confusion about fighting his own kinsmen. Lord Krishna has been guiding him through the nature of different types of faith and food habits in Chapter 17 to help clear this mental fog. As a warrior prince overwhelmed by fear and attachment, Arjuna is learning that even religious duties can be corrupted if performed with ego.

Living It Out Today

Consider an employee who volunteers for extra projects not because they want to learn or serve the company, but solely to get their name on a newsletter so colleagues will admire them. This behavior often leads to burnout and resentment when recognition doesn't come fast enough, whereas true service brings satisfaction regardless of public praise. Shifting focus from 'What do I get out of this?' to 'How can I contribute here?' transforms work into meaningful action.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are helping a friend move house, but the only reason you do it is so everyone will clap and say 'wow' at your party afterwards. Krishna tells us that if we do good things just to get applause or a treat in return, our hearts aren't quite pure yet. It's like painting a picture for a contest instead of painting because you love colors; the focus on the prize changes how special the act really is.

Daily Reflection

Have you ever found yourself doing something kind just so others would notice? It is easy to slip into seeking praise or rewards as motivation, turning even good deeds into transactions. This verse invites us to recognize when our actions are colored by that restless desire for recognition and instead find peace in offering without expectation.

A Practice for Today

Sit quietly and observe your intentions before beginning any action today; ask yourself if you are acting for the joy of service or for a specific reward to come later. Notice when the mind seeks external validation, gently release that attachment, and return your focus to the purity of the act itself.

Key Teachings

The Trap of Transactional Faith
When a sacrifice or action is performed with the specific goal of gaining a reward, it becomes bound by the law of cause-and-effect rather than spiritual freedom. This transforms worship into a business deal where the soul remains trapped in the cycle of desire and disappointment.
The Illusion of Ostentation
Performing rituals or good deeds solely to appear pious before others is rooted in ego, known as 'dambha' (hypocrisy). Such actions are driven by the need for social status rather than genuine devotion, making them Rajasic and ultimately unsatisfying.
The Nature of Rajasic Action
Actions performed with intense desire or arrogance belong to the mode of passion (Rajas), which creates agitation in the mind. True spiritual progress requires transcending this restless drive for fruitive results and ostentatious display.

Themes

Selfless ActionEgo & PrideMotivationSpiritual DisciplineThe Three GunasTrue Devotion

Related Verses

2.47 3.9 6.5

Read This Next

2.47 — To understand the foundational principle of performing duty without attachment to results.
3.30 — To learn how surrendering all actions to the Divine purifies one's engagement in work and worship.
12.15 — To discover the qualities of a devotee who does not seek personal gain but remains steady for others' well-being.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Krishna call a reward-seeking sacrifice Rajasic?

It is called Rajasic because it is driven by the mode of passion (Rajas), which is characterized by intense desire, restlessness, and ego. When an action is performed with the specific aim of gaining fame or material return, it binds the soul to the cycle of craving rather than liberating it.

What does 'ostentation' mean in this context?

In this verse, ostentation refers to performing religious rituals or good deeds publicly just to impress others and gain social status. It is the act of showing off one's piety rather than having genuine faith or humility in heart.

Is it wrong to expect rewards for doing good work?

According to this teaching, expecting a reward as the primary goal creates mental agitation and attachment. While results may naturally follow, making them the sole purpose turns the action into a transactional exchange rather than an offering of service.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 17.12 →