Chapter 17, verse 1
अर्जुन उवाचये शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य यजन्ते श्रद्धयाऽन्विताः।तेषां निष्ठा तु का कृष्ण सत्त्वमाहो रजस्तमः।।17.1।।
arjuna uvācaye śāstravidhimutsṛjya yajante śraddhayā'nvitāḥteṣāṃ niṣṭhā tu kā kṛṣṇa sattvamāho rajastamaḥ
Word meanings
- ये — who
- शास्त्रविधिम् — the ordinances of the scriptures
- उत्सृज्य — setting aside
- यजन्ते — perform sacrifice
- श्रद्धया — with faith
- अन्विताः — endowed
- तेषाम् — their
- निष्ठा — condition
- तु — verily
- का — what
- कृष्ण — O Krishna
- सत्त्वम् — Sattva
Translation
Arjuna said, "What is the condition of those who, disregarding the injunctions of the scriptures, perform sacrifice with faith—is it Sattva, Rajas, or Tamas, O Krishna?"
Translation Context: "Arjuna said, "What is the condition of those who, disregarding the injunctions of the scriptures, perform sacrifice with faith—is it Sattva, Rajas, or Tamas, O Krishna?"
Commentary & Insight: In this verse of Chapter 17, Sri Krishna counsels Arjuna on the field of Kurukshetra. The teaching illuminates the eternal nature of the soul, the sacred call of duty (Dharma), and the path of unattached action (Nishkama Karma). Reflecting upon this verse brings mental peace, spiritual strength, and wisdom in daily life.