Chapter 17 Shloka 26

सद्भावे साधुभावे च सदित्येतत्प्रयुज्यते।

प्रशस्ते कर्मणि तथा सच्छब्दः पार्थ युज्यते।।२६।।

O Arjuna, the word ‘sat’ is used

for noble and virtuous thoughts;

it is also used for lofty and praiseworthy acts.

Chapter 17 Shloka 26

सद्भावे साधुभावे च सदित्येतत्प्रयुज्यते।

प्रशस्ते कर्मणि तथा सच्छब्दः पार्थ युज्यते।।२६।।

O Arjuna, the word ‘sat’ is used for noble and virtuous thoughts; it is also used for lofty and praiseworthy acts.

Little one, a noble deed is described as a ‘sat karma’. ‘Sat’ is an epithet of Brahm Himself. This word ‘sat’ is used:

a) in the expression of noble thoughts;

b) for a virtuous trend of thought impelled by divine qualities;

c) to describe deeds which are a consequence of the flow of divine qualities;

d) to illustrate noble and beneficial deeds;

e) in the life of one who treads the northward path – the path that leads to progression and advancement in spirituality;

f) to denote selfless deeds;

g) by one who wishes only to live in the Truth.

One who lives in ‘sat’ acknowledges “What is, is. This is the reality.” They believe that what the Scriptures say is the undisputed Truth.

1. ‘Sat’ – this word is used as a form of practice of the Truth.

2. In order to live a life where Truth is predominant, such people keep that Truth constantly before them in conscious memory.

3. Just as the individual invokes the Lord as a witness by calling out His name, so also he seeks abidance in the Truth by repeating the term ‘sat’.

4. Such a one never forgets ‘sat’ even whilst engaging in any work whatsoever.

5. In the repetition of ‘sat’ lies the innate invocation of that Truth.

This can also be understood thus – the word ‘Om’ is chanted by:

a) the Brahmins;

b) by those who know Brahm and who abide in the state of Brahm;

c) the perfect souls.

The word ‘sat’ is uttered by a spiritual practicant:

a) when he practises the renunciation of the fruits of action;

b) when he practises subjugation to the Lord;

c) in order to augment faith and trust;

d) to aid him in the surrender of his body, mind and intellect to the Supreme.

1. The word ‘sat’ is spoken in order to invoke noble thought processes.

2. The word ‘sat’ is an aid in noble actions.

3. The word ‘sat’ is an aid in the discernment between truth and falsehood.

4. The word ‘sat’ aids one in one’s perception of reality.

5. The word ‘sat’ is an aid in treading the noble path towards spiritual greatness.

Repeating the term ‘sat’ incessantly, the spiritual aspirant searches for the Truth and practices the Truth inasmuch as he is acquainted with it.

1. When the thought process of sat comes to the forefront, virtue will increase.

2. When the thought of sat predominates, divine qualities are multiplied.

3. When the thought of sat predominates, man becomes diligent in the fulfilment of duty.

4. Then he will perform praiseworthy acts.

5. Then noble deeds will emerge.

Understand it in this manner:

‘Sat’ inspires the understanding “What is, is.”

‘Tat’ inspires the understanding “What is, belongs to Thee.”

‘Om’ inspires the thought, “Thou art this entirety!”