टीका

Commentary

The lowest category of sacrifice is tamasic — performed in darkness and ignorance. Krishna lists five deficiencies that characterize it.

Vidhi-heenam — without scriptural direction. The performer ignores or is ignorant of the proper procedures laid down in the shastras. Asrishtaannam — without distribution of prasadam. In Vedic tradition, food offered in sacrifice is sanctified and then distributed to participants and the community. Omitting this distribution is a sign of tamasic consciousness.

Mantra-heenam — without the chanting of Vedic mantras. The power of sacrifice depends largely on the correct recitation of sacred mantras. When these are omitted, the sacrifice loses its spiritual potency. Adakshinam — without remuneration to the priests. The Vedic system calls for appropriate dakshina (offering) to the brahmanas who conduct the ceremony. Failing to honor this tradition shows disrespect for the sacred order.

Shraddhaa-virahitam — without faith. This is perhaps the most damning deficiency. Even if the external forms are somewhat maintained, a sacrifice performed without genuine conviction and devotion is tamasic. Faith is the animating force of all worship — without it, the ritual is an empty shell.

In the mode of tamas, people sometimes perform worship of spirits or engage in rituals to acquire wealth through dark means, spending that wealth on entertainment and personal pleasure. Such activities, devoid of genuine spiritual intent, are considered tamasic. They produce no spiritual benefit and may even increase one’s bondage to material existence.