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120
BHAGAVADGITâ.
tiousness, and which is uncertain and transient', is here called passionate. And that penance is described as dark, which is performed under a misguided conviction, with pain to oneself, or for the destruction of another. That gift is said to be) good, which is given, because it ought to be given, to one who (can) do no service in return), at a (proper) place and time, and to a (proper) person. But that gift which is given with much difficulty, for a return of services, or even with an expectation of fruit, is said to be passionate. And that gift is described as dark, which is given to unfit persons, at un unfit place and time, without respect, and with contempt. Om, Tad, and Sat, this is said (to be) the threefold designation of the Brahman. By that?, the Brâhmanas and the Vedas and sacrifices were created in olden times. Hence, the performance by those who study the Brahman, of sacrifices, gifts, and penances, prescribed by the ordinances (of scripture), always commence after saying 'Om.' Those who desire final emancipation perform the various acts of sacrifice and penance, and the various acts of gift, without expectation of fruit, after (saying). Tado.' • Sat' is employed to express existence and good. ness; and likewise, O son of Prithâ! the word 'Sat' is used to express an auspicious act. Constancy in
· The fruit of which is uncertain or perishable. • Heaven &c. as a reward for liberality. sl.e. the Brahman, according to Sridhara.
• Cf. Āpastamba, p. 21 (p. 49 in this series). Nilakantha ciles texts to show that this and the other two words are used to designate the Brahman. The texts are from the Taittiriya, Aitareya, and K'kânclogya-upanishads.
Nilakantha says, “aller “ Tad”' means considering the act and all are Brahman, and cites p. 61 supra.
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