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. Hover 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.
Did you like this verse?
It trains you to measure action by truth and worth, not by visible payoff.
What this verse means
The word sat is used for what truly exists, for noble character, and for good action.
Context & commentary
Krishna is still answering Arjuna on the battlefield, where every action 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.
Why this verse still matters
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)