The Death of Marcus Aurelius

The Death of Marcus Aurelius

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita 58


14. Worship of the Devas, the twice-born, the Gurus and the wise, purity, straightforwardness, continence, and non-injury are called the austerity of the body. 

15. Speech which causes no vexation, and is true, as also agreeable and beneficial, and regular study of the Vedas—these are said to form the austerity of speech. 

16. Serenity of mind, kindliness, silence, self-control, honesty of motive—this is called the mental austerity. 

17. This threefold austerity practiced by steadfast men, with great Shraddhâ, desiring no fruit, is said to be Sâttvika. 
 
18. That austerity which is practiced with the object of gaining welcome, honor and worship, and with ostentation, is here said to be Râjasika, unstable and transitory. 

19. That austerity which is practiced out of a foolish notion, with self-torture or for the purpose of wining another, is declared to be Tâmasika. 

20. To give is right, a gift given with this idea, to one who does no service in return, in a fit place and to a worthy person, that gift is held to be Sâttvika. 
 
21. And what is given with a view to receiving in return, or looking for the fruit, or again reluctantly, that gift is held to be Râjasika. 

22. The gift that is given at the wrong place or time, to unworthy persons, without regard or with disdain, that is declared to be Tâmasika. 

23. "Om, Tat, Sat": this has been declared to be the triple designation of Brahman. By that were made of old the Brâhmanas, the Vedas and the Yajnas. 

24. Therefore, uttering "Om", are the acts of sacrifice, gift and austerity as enjoined in the ordinances, always begun by the followers of the Vedas. 

25. Uttering "Tat", without aiming at fruits, are the various acts of Yajna, austerity and gift performed by the seekers of Moksha. 

26. The word "Sat" is used in the sense of reality and of goodness; and so also, Pârtha, the word "Sat" is used in the sense of an auspicious act. 

27. Steadiness in Yajna, austerity and gift is also called "Sat": as also action in connection with these, or action for the sake of the Lord, are called "Sat". 

28. Whatever is sacrificed, given or performed, and whatever austerity is practiced without Shraddhâ, it is called "Asat", O Pârtha; it is nothing here or hereafter. 

Bhagavad Gita, 17:14-28 



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