tad ity anabhisandhāya phalaṁ yajña-tapaḥ-kriyāḥ
dāna-kriyāśh cha vividhāḥ kriyante mokṣha-kāṅkṣhibhiḥ
tat — the syllable Tat;
iti — thus;
anabhisandhāya — without desiring;
phalam — fruitive rewards;
yajña — sacrifice;
tapaḥ — austerity;
kriyāḥ — acts;
dāna — charity;
kriyāḥ — acts;
cha — and;
vividhāḥ — various;
kriyante — are done;
mokṣha-kāṅkṣhibhiḥ — by seekers of freedom from material entanglements
This verse tells us about how we should carry out our actions, like performing sacrifices, doing penance, and giving charity. It suggests that when we do these good deeds, we should do them without expecting anything in return or looking for rewards. Instead, we should focus on the spirit of our actions.
The word 'tat' is significant here; it means that our intentions should be pure and aimed at something higher than just our own personal gain. For example, if you help someone in need or donate money, do it just to help that person and not because you want something in return, like recognition, praise, or rewards.
The idea is to act selflessly and with devotion. When we perform these activities for the sake of a greater purpose, we can connect more deeply with our true selves and with the divine, which some people refer to as God. This connection helps us to rise above our everyday worries, desires, and material attachments.
Ultimately, this verse emphasizes that true freedom comes when we let go of our attachment to rewards and focus instead on doing good for the sake of goodness itself. By following this path, we can lead a life that is not tied down by material desires, and instead, move toward a spiritual awakening where we can feel a sense of peace and fulfillment.