ॐ तत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविध: स्मृत: ।
ब्राह्मणास्तेन वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च विहिता: पुरा ॥ २३ ॥
oṁ tat sad iti nirdeśho brahmaṇas tri-vidhaḥ smṛitaḥ
brāhmaṇās tena vedāśh cha yajñāśh cha vihitāḥ purā
श्लोक २३: " ॐ तत् सत्" को ब्रह्म के तीन प्रतीकात्मक गुणों का स्वरूप माना जाता है। इन्हीं से अतीत में ब्राह्मणों, वेदों तथा यज्ञों की उत्पत्ति हुई थी।
Shloka 23: ‘Om tat sat’ is considered a threefold symbolic representation of the Brahman. Through it, the Brahmanas, the Vedas and the sacrifices were ordained in the past.
Bhagavad Gita verse 17.23 introduces the sacred syllables "Om Tat Sat," which Krishna describes as the threefold designation of Brahman (the Absolute Truth). This verse appears at a pivotal moment in the chapter, after Krishna has thoroughly analyzed how human activities like sacrifice, austerity, and charity manifest differently under the three modes of material nature—goodness, passion, and ignorance.
The verse specifically states: "Om, Tat, Sat—this threefold designation of Brahman was used by the brahmanas, the Vedas, and sacrifices since ancient times". Krishna explains that these transcendental sounds have been established since the beginning of creation and were used by brahmanas (those with Brahminical qualities) during the recitation of Vedic hymns and performance of sacrificial ceremonies.
This teaching represents an important transition in the discourse. While activities performed even in the mode of goodness are still within the material sphere, these three syllables provide a means to elevate one's consciousness beyond the binding influence of all three modes. They serve as spiritual bridges that can transform ordinary actions into transcendental ones.
"Om" represents the direct invocation of the Supreme, the primordial sacred sound that connects the material with the spiritual. "Tat" (meaning "that") signifies that all offerings are meant for the Supreme rather than for one's own satisfaction, helping to dissolve attachment to fruits of actions. "Sat" refers to eternal reality and truth—it represents both the spiritual goal and the essence of what is real and enduring.
The significance of these syllables lies in their power to sanctify and purify human activities. Even when one performs charity or austerity with mixed motivations, sincere invocation of Om Tat Sat can gradually elevate consciousness from worldly concerns to spiritual awareness. It transforms obligation into devotion and routine action into sacred offering.
Commentaries on this verse explain that these three sounds help specify and correct defects that might arise in sacrifices or spiritual practices. They function as reminders of the higher purpose behind all actions. The word "brahmanah" has multiple meanings in this context—it refers both to the Absolute Truth and to those who possess Brahminical qualities, suggesting that the sacred sounds connect the practitioner with the ultimate reality.
By introducing Om Tat Sat, Krishna is offering a practical method for anyone—regardless of their current spiritual position—to begin transcending the material modes. This teaching demonstrates that through conscious alignment with these transcendental sounds, one can transform even ordinary activities into opportunities for spiritual growth, gradually freeing oneself from the binding influence of the three modes while still engaging in necessary worldly duties.
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