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Chapter 17 • Verse 24
The Yoga of the Threefold Faith
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna explains how OM is used in spiritual practices. 'Tasmād oṁ ity udāhṛtya'—therefore (tasmāt), uttering (udāhṛtya) 'OM' (oṁ iti). 'Yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ pravartante'—the actions (kriyāḥ) of sacrifice (yajña), charity (dāna), and austerity (tapas) begin (pravartante). 'Vidhāna-uktāḥ satataṁ brahma-vādinām'—as prescribed by scriptural injunctions (vidhāna-uktāḥ), always (satatam) by knowers of Brahman (brahma-vādinām). OM is the sacred syllable that begins all spiritual practices. When you utter OM before sacrifice, charity, or austerity, you connect them to the Supreme, sanctifying them. Knowers of Brahman always begin their practices with OM. Understanding this helps you recognize the importance of OM in sanctifying your practices.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse reveals that OM is used to begin sacrifice, charity, and austerity. 'Oṁ ity udāhṛtya'—uttering OM sanctifies practices. 'Yajña-dāna-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ pravartante'—sacrifice, charity, and austerity begin with OM. When you utter OM before practices, you connect them to the Supreme, making them sacred and meaningful. Knowers of Brahman always begin their practices with OM, as prescribed by scriptural injunctions. Understanding this helps you recognize the importance of OM in sanctifying your practices. The goal isn't to just perform actions—it's to begin them with OM, connecting them to the Supreme.
Personal Reflection
Do you begin your practices with OM? Do you connect your actions to the Supreme? How can you use OM to sanctify your practices?
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