Verse-13
Chapter 17 — Shraddhatreya Vibhag Yoga
Verse 13
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
vidhihīnamasṛṣṭānnaṁ mantrahīnamadakṣiṇam
śraddhāvirahitaṁ yajñaṁ tāmasaṁ paricakṣate
🕉 English Translation
Viddhi shastra ki na ho jismein hee,
Na ho dakshina na anna daan bhi.
Bina mantra aur shraddha jismein na ho,
Yagya tamasi hee kaha jata woh.
📜 Translation
English
Sacrifice which is not in conformity with the scriptural law, in which no food is distributed, mantras are not chanted, no gifts given to the priests and is devoid of faith too is called tamasic sacrifice.
In the mind prevails desire for fruits or ostentation, but the rules and regulations are being followed, such a sacrifice is of rajasic nature. This is another kind of sacrifice in which neither the inner feelings are of a higher nature nor is there any awareness of the true nature of the sacrifice nor any attention is paid to rules and regulations!
In the sacrifice conformity to the scriptural laws is essential. With whatever motives the sacrifice is being performed, in the scriptures the same kind of provisions have been provided for it. This too is a requirement of the scriptures that in the sacrifice the preceptor of the sacrifice, the Brahmins, etc. should be honoured and revered with payment and food distribution. It is also the duty of the Brahmins performing the sacrifice that they should be aware of the proper scriptural norms and mantras. They should not be ignored. The mantras should be right and also pronounced correctly. But here all this is not there-the performer of the sacrifice and those getting it done-both sides do not take care. Those undertaking the sacrifice simply perform it for the sake of formality; there is no faith or reverence in the inner state-neither towards the significance of the sacrifice nor towards those getting it done. While giving the honourarium to the priest and distribution of food, there are contrary feelings! Those who are performing the sacrifice are also doing it out of greed. In a hurry or knowingly they ignored where all these prevail that sacrifice according to the Gita is called Tamasic. This is also a strict warning. Sacrifice is a great act. The essence of sacrifice is extremely vast and profound. Do not allow it to get entangled in mental narrowness!