Bhagavad Gita 17.23

Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

"Om Tat Sat": This has been declared to be the triple designation of Brahman. By that were created formerly, the Brahmanas, the Vedas and the sacrifices.

Sanskrit

ॐतत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविधः स्मृतः | ब्राह्मणास्तेन वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च विहिताः पुरा ||१७-२३||

Transliteration

OMtatsaditi nirdeśo brahmaṇastrividhaḥ smṛtaḥ . brāhmaṇāstena vedāśca yajñāśca vihitāḥ purā ||17-23||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna concludes his teaching on faith by introducing the sacred syllables 'Om Tat Sat' as a threefold name for the ultimate reality, Brahman. He explains that these sounds were not merely invented but are the very essence through which the sages (Brahmanas), the holy scriptures (Vedas), and all sacrificial rituals were established in ancient times. The key teaching is that every spiritual action should begin with or end with this affirmation of truth, reality, and existence to ensure it aligns with divine will.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse sits at the intersection of Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) and Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), serving as a bridge between them. It develops the concept that true spiritual practice requires an alignment with 'Sat' (absolute truth/reality) while using 'Om Tat Sat' as a mantra to purify the mind before any action, ensuring that even ritualistic duties become acts of liberation.

Word by Word

तत्सत् Om Tat Sat, इति thus, निर्देशः designation, ब्रह्मणः of Brahman, त्रिविधः threefold, स्मृतः has been declared, ब्राह्मणाः Brahmanas, तेन by that, वेदाः Vedas, च and, यज्ञाः sacrifices, च and, विहिताः created, पुरा formerly

Classical Commentary

Om Tat Sat is the root of the entire universe. Om is the Akshara Brahman. Tat means Thath, the indefinable. Sat means Reality. Para Brahman, that Supreme Being, the abiding place of all that lives and moves, is beyond name and class. The Vedas have ventured to give a name to Him. A new born child has no name but no,receiving one he will answer to it. Men who are troubled by the afflictions of this world run to the Deity for refuge and call Him by the name. When Brahman is invoked through the name that which is hidden is revealed to the aspirant. These three words have a divine power of their own. The vibrations that they produce in one are such as to arouse the latent divinity and also to secure the necessary response from the Cosmic Being Whom they connote. When a sacrificial rite or the like is found defective, it will be rendered perfect by the utterance of the powerful Mantra Om Tat Sat or one of the three designations in the end. With Om or Om Tat Sat all acts of sacrifice, study of sacred scriptures, spiritual discipline and meditation are commenced. If the doer of sacrifices remembers either of these Mantras all obstacles that stand in the way of success of the sacrifices are removed. Om Tat Sat has been declared to be the triple designation of Brahman in the Vedanta by the knowers of Brahman. The power of creation that lies in the Creator emanates from this Mantra. When He meditated inwardly on the meaning of this Mantra and repeated the threefold word? He acired the power to create. Then He created the Brahmanas, gave them the Vedas to be their guide and directed them to perform sacrifices and other rites. Puraa Of old At the beginning of creation by the Prajapati. Brahman here means the Veda.

Where This Happens

This verse appears at the very end of Chapter 17 in the Bhagavad Gita, which is part of the epic Mahabharata. It occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra where Lord Krishna has just finished explaining how faith influences our food, charity, and austerities to Arjuna. Having listened to these detailed instructions on distinguishing between good (sattvic), mixed (rajasic), and dark (tamasic) qualities in daily life, Arjuna is now receiving the final summary that ties all spiritual practices together under one sacred truth.

Living It Out Today

Before starting a difficult work project or making a significant family decision today, take a moment to pause and mentally recite 'Om Tat Sat' to anchor yourself. This practice acts as an internal checkpoint: does this action align with the ultimate good (Sat), is it rooted in divine will rather than ego (Tat), and do I offer my effort without attachment to the result? By doing so, you transform a stressful task into a conscious act of integrity, reducing anxiety and clarifying your focus on what truly matters.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are building a strong tower out of blocks; 'Om Tat Sat' is like the special glue that makes sure all your blocks stay together perfectly. Just as builders use specific tools to build houses, ancient wise people used these three magic words to connect their good actions and prayers to something greater than themselves. When we say these words with kindness or do a good deed thinking of them, it helps our hearts feel safe and connected to the universe.

Daily Reflection

Today, consider how the ancient sounds 'Om Tat Sat' serve as an invisible bridge connecting your daily struggles to something eternal and unchanging. When you face confusion or doubt about whether your efforts matter, remember that these three syllables declare Brahman's nature as Truth itself, inviting you to act with total surrender rather than attachment to results.

A Practice for Today

Begin by silently chanting 'Om Tat Sat,' allowing the sound to dissolve your mental chatter and anchor you in the presence of the Divine. Visualize this sacred triad not as distant words, but as the very fabric of creation that holds your actions and intentions within a field of purity.

Key Teachings

The Sacred Triad of Existence
Brahman is not merely an abstract concept but a dynamic reality accessed through the three sounds: Om (the source), Tat (that/otherness), and Sat (truth/existence). Together, they form the essential vibration that underpins all spiritual practice.
The Origin of Sacred Duty
The verse establishes that the very institutions of dharma—Brahmanas, Vedas, and Yajnas (sacrifices)—are rooted in this divine designation. It teaches us that true spiritual authority comes not from human invention but from alignment with these eternal truths.
Purification through Invocation
By invoking 'Om Tat Sat,' the practitioner purifies their intention, transforming ordinary actions into acts of worship. This practice ensures that even the most mundane tasks are elevated when performed in conscious remembrance of Brahman.

Themes

Faith and DevotionSacred MantrasDuty (Dharma)Ultimate RealityRituals and SacrificeSpiritual Purification

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Read This Next

2.47 — Read this next for the practical application of performing duty without attachment, a key outcome of understanding the 'Sat' (truth) aspect.
3.30 — This verse complements the theme by instructing to dedicate all actions to Krishna, deepening the concept of sacrifice mentioned in 17.23.
12.15 — Read this to understand how a devotee who is pleasing to Brahman (Sat) manifests the qualities described as being created through that designation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the specific meaning behind each word: Om, Tat, and Sat?

'Om' represents the absolute reality or Brahman itself, serving as a universal sound vibration. 'Tat' means 'that,' signifying that which is beyond human comprehension and pointing to the divine source of all existence. 'Sat' translates to truth or pure being, denoting actions performed without attachment for their inherent goodness.

Why does Krishna mention Brahmanas (priests), Vedas (scriptures), and sacrifices in this verse?

Krishna lists these three elements to show that the entire system of spiritual life was founded upon these sacred sounds. It implies that without the underlying truth represented by 'Om Tat Sat,' rituals, scriptures, or religious roles lose their sanctity and efficacy.

How can a modern person apply this verse if they are not performing Vedic sacrifices?

You can apply it by treating any sincere action as a form of sacrifice (Yajna) dedicated to the divine. Before starting your day or work, mentally offering your intentions with 'Om Tat Sat' helps you perform duties without ego, turning mundane tasks into spiritual practices.

Is this verse only for Hindus who worship Brahman?

While rooted in Hindu philosophy, the core teaching is universal: it encourages acting based on truth (Sat) and recognizing a higher purpose beyond oneself (Tat). Anyone seeking to align their actions with integrity and reality can benefit from the wisdom of using these three syllables as a grounding tool.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 17.23 →