And serenity, simplicity, gravity, self-control and purity of thought are themselves materially but to please the Supreme, is of the nature of goodness.
Those ostentatious penances and austerities which are performed in order to gain respect, honour and reverence are said to be in the mode of passion. They are neither stable nor permanent.
And those penances and austerities which are performed foolishly by means of obstinate self-torture, or to destroy or injure others, are said to be in the mode of ignorance.
That gift which is given out of duty, at the proper time and place, to a worthy person, and without expectation of return is considered to be charity in the mode of goodness.
But charity performed with the expectation of some return or with a desire for fruitive results, or in a grudging mood, is said to be charity in the mode of passion.
And charity shown at an improper place and time and to unworthy persons without respect and with contempt is charity in the mode of ignorance.
From the beginning of creation, the three syllables-Om tat sat-have been used to indicate the Supreme Absolute Truth [Brahman]. They were uttered by Brahmanas while chanting Vedic hymns and during sacrifices, for the satisfaction of the Supreme.
Thus the transcendentalists undertake sacrifices, charities, and penances, beginning always with Om, to attain the Supreme.
One should perform sacrifice, penance and charity with the word 'tat'. The purpose of such transcendental activities is to get free from the material entanglement.
The Absolute Truth is the objective of devotional sacrifice, and it is indicated by the word 'sat'. These works of sacrifice, of penance and of charity, true to the absolute nature, are performed to please the Supreme Person, O Partha.
But sacrifices, austerities and charities performed without faith in the Supreme are nonpermanent, O Partha, regardless of whatever rites are performed. They are called as at and are useless both in this life and the next." | |