A core teaching · reflective in mood · a little context helps
“What is real and worthy carries the mark of sat.”
O Partha, the word sat is used for existence itself, for noble being, and for praiseworthy action.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Tap a word to focus on it.
Read literallyin noble being · and · sat · thus · this · is used · praiseworthy · in action · also · the word sat · O Partha
The word sat is used for what truly exists, for noble character, and for good action.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga" (The Three Kinds of Faith).
Verse 26 sits in Chapter 17 of the Bhagavad Gita — Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga, "The Three Kinds of Faith". The chapter has 28 verses in total.
You sign a document you know is honest, even though no one is watching. The quiet relief comes from knowing the act itself is clean, whether or not it brings applause.
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Krishna explains sat: the word covers what exists, what is good, and any action worth praise.
What this verse means
The word sat is used for what truly exists, for noble character, and for good action.
Context & commentary
Krishna answers Arjuna, for whom every action now feels morally loaded. After saying that sacred acts should be offered without craving reward, he now explains the word sat: it points to reality, goodness, and worthy action.
What it looks like today
You sign a document you know is honest, even though no one is watching. The quiet relief comes from knowing the act itself is clean, whether or not it brings applause.
“It gives a clean standard: what is real, noble, and worthy of praise deserves your full trust.”
Explore related themes: shraddha (34 verses)