- The yogi who knows this transcends all the rewards laid down for the study of the Vedas, for sacrifices, for austerities, for making gifts: he reaches the Supreme, Primal Abode. (8.28)
- Neither by the study of the Vedas and sacrifices, nor by gifts, nor by rituals, nor by severe penances, is this form of Mine to be seen in the world of men by anyone but you, Ο chief of the Kurus. (11.48)
- From me alone arise the varieties in the qualities amongst humans, such as intellect, knowledge, clarity of thought, forgiveness, truthfulness, control over the senses and mind, joy and sorrow, birth and death, fear and courage, non-violence, equanimity, contentment, austerity, charity, fame, and infamy. (10.4-10.5)
- Acts of sacrifice, charity, and austerity should not be abandoned; they should be performed indeed; sacrifice, charity, and austerity are purifiers for the thoughtful (who do not desire for fruits). (18.5)
- Even the food that is dear to all is of the three kinds. Likewise are the sacrifices, austerities, and gifts. Hear now the distinctions between them. (17.7)
- That gift which is made to one who can make no return, and with the feeling that it is one’s duty to give, and which is given at the right place and time and to a worthy person— such a gift is held to be of the nature of sattva. (17.20)
- But that which is given for the sake of recompense or with the expectation of fruit or in a grudging mood is accounted as of the nature of rajas. (17.21)
- And the gift that is made without respect or with disdain, at an improper place and time, and to an unworthy person is declared to be of the nature of tamas. (17.22)
- Therefore the acts of sacrifice, gift, and austerity, enjoined by the scriptures, are always begun by the followers of the Vedas with the utterance of “Om.” (17.24)
- And with the utterance of “Tat,” and without seeking any recompense, are the various acts of sacrifice, austerity, and gift performed by those who seek liberation. (17.25)
- The word “Sat” is used to denote reality and goodness; and likewise, Ο Pārtha, the word “Sat” is used for an auspicious action. (17.26)
- Steadfastness in sacrifice, austerity, and gift is also called “Sat”; and so too is any action connected therewith. (17.27)
- Whatever sacrifice or gift is made, whatever austerity is practised, whatever ceremony is observed— it is all called “asat,” “non-existent,” if it is done without faith. It is of no account here or hereafter. (17.28)