Bhagavad Gita 17.13

Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

They declare that sacrifice to be Tamasic which is contrary to the ordinances of the scriptures, in which no food is distributed, which is devoid of Mantras, gifts and faith.

Sanskrit

विधिहीनमसृष्टान्नं मन्त्रहीनमदक्षिणम् | श्रद्धाविरहितं यज्ञं तामसं परिचक्षते ||१७-१३||

Transliteration

vidhihīnamasṛṣṭānnaṃ mantrahīnamadakṣiṇam . śraddhāvirahitaṃ yajñaṃ tāmasaṃ paricakṣate ||17-13||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna describes a specific type of ritual sacrifice that is considered 'Tamasic' or rooted in ignorance and darkness. He explains that if a religious act lacks scriptural guidance, excludes the chanting of sacred mantras, refuses to share food with others, offers no gifts to those who help, and is performed without genuine faith, it is worthless. Krishna emphasizes that true spiritual action requires adherence to divine laws, selfless sharing, devotion, and belief in the process.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse is a core teaching of Karma Yoga (the yoga of selfless action) as it defines how to purify one's actions by rejecting those driven by ignorance. It develops the concept that external rituals are meaningless without internal alignment to Dharma (cosmic order), faith, and generosity, effectively categorizing spiritual practices based on their underlying motivation.

Word by Word

विधिहीनम् without keeping to ordinance, असृष्टान्नम् in which no food is distributed, मन्त्रहीनम् which is devoid of Mantras, अदक्षिणम् which is devoid of gifts, श्रद्धाविरहितम् which is devoid of faith, यज्ञम् sacrifice, तामसम् Tamasic, परिचक्षते (they) declare

Classical Commentary

A sacrifice performed by a Tamasic man is never guided by any consideration for the prescribed rites or incantation. You will find every irregularity in this sacrifice. No food is distributed. No fees which are prescribed in the scriptures are given to the priests. The Mantras are not changed properly. The hymns recited are defective in utterance and accent. Sometimes there is no recitation at all. There is no faith. A man who performs such a sacrifice does not get any merit.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs in Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita during the conversation between Lord Krishna and Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Just prior to this discussion, both have been exploring how human nature is divided into three modes (goodness, passion, and ignorance), which influence everything from food choices to faith itself. The listener, Arjuna, has just received a detailed classification of different types of sacrifices based on these modes and is now learning exactly what constitutes an inferior or ignorant form of worship that should be avoided.

Living It Out Today

Consider a modern scenario where you volunteer for a community project but refuse to listen to the established guidelines, skip thanking your team members publicly, keep all resources for yourself rather than sharing them with those in need, and do it only because you feel pressured by peers. In this situation, despite your effort, the action becomes draining and ineffective, mirroring the 'Tamasic' sacrifice described here; true fulfillment comes from following a clear purpose, expressing gratitude through gifts or recognition, ensuring inclusivity for all participants, and acting with genuine belief in the cause.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are baking a cake for your family but you forgot to follow the recipe, didn't say any nice words while cooking, hid all the ingredients so no one could taste it, and did it only because someone forced you. That is like what this verse calls 'Tamasic'—an action that looks like good work on the outside but feels empty inside because there is no love or rules involved. Krishna teaches us that for any kind act to be truly special, we need a plan (like following a recipe), say something nice, share it with others, and do it with our whole heart.

Daily Reflection

You may find that you often perform good deeds without truly believing in their higher purpose, turning them into empty rituals devoid of spiritual life. True faith is not just about following rules; it is about infusing your actions with love and sincerity so they become a bridge to the divine rather than heavy burdens. When you offer food or service without the spirit of devotion, even well-intentioned acts can feel hollow.

A Practice for Today

Sit quietly and examine your own actions today, asking if they are rooted in genuine faith or merely performed out of habit and social pressure. Visualize a sacrifice made with pure intention, where the offering flows from a heart connected to the divine rather than one seeking recognition.

Key Teachings

The Necessity of Scriptural Guidance
Actions performed contrary to divine ordinances lack spiritual value and are considered Tamasic. Adhering to the wisdom of scripture ensures that our efforts align with cosmic order rather than personal whim.
Faith as the Soul of Action
Without Shraddha (faith), any sacrifice or service becomes a mechanical exercise devoid of life. Faith transforms external rituals into internal spiritual experiences, connecting the doer to the divine source.
The Elements of True Worship
A complete act of worship requires mantras for consecration, food distribution for generosity, and gifts as an expression of surrender. The absence of these elements renders a ritual incomplete and spiritually inert.

Themes

faith and beliefselfless givingspiritual ritualsignorance vs wisdomscriptural dutymental purity

Related Verses

2.47 3.9 18.10 18.26 18.45

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is the lack of mantras considered a negative aspect of sacrifice?

In this teaching, mantras represent the connection between human effort and divine consciousness. Without them, an action becomes merely mechanical or materialistic, lacking the spiritual energy required to elevate both the doer and the recipient.

Can a sacrifice be considered good if it is done with faith but without food distribution?

No, according to this verse, all four elements—following ordinances, distributing food, chanting mantras, and giving gifts—are essential for a complete 'Sattvic' or pure action. If even one element like sharing food is missing due to selfishness, the sacrifice loses its purity and becomes Tamasic.

What does it mean when Krishna says an act must not be contrary to ordinances?

This means that spiritual actions should align with established divine laws (Dharma) rather than being arbitrary or driven by personal whims. Following these guidelines ensures the action supports cosmic order and leads to genuine growth instead of confusion.

How can I apply this teaching in a modern office environment?

You can treat your professional work as a form of sacrifice by ensuring you follow ethical rules, acknowledge others' contributions (gifts), share resources or credit with the team, and perform tasks with genuine dedication rather than just going through the motions.

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