Gita 16.17
Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
आत्मसंभाविताः स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विताः | यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् ||१७||
ātma-sambhāvitāḥ stabdhāḥ dhana-māna-madānvitāḥ | yajante nāma-yajñais te dambhenāvidhi-pūrvakam ||17||
In essence: Self-conceited, stubborn, drunk with wealth and pride—they perform sacrifice in name only, for show, without following the proper rites.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "What makes a sacrifice genuine versus 'in name only'?"
Guru: "Intention. Is the act directed toward the Divine or toward one's image? Does the performer experience offering and surrender, or calculation and display? Genuine sacrifice involves ego-diminishment; name-only sacrifice involves ego-enhancement. The outer form may look identical; the inner reality is opposite."
Sadhak: "How important is following 'vidhi'—the scriptural rules—in sacrifice?"
Guru: "Vidhi exists because realized sages understood what works. Following proper procedure connects you to a lineage of efficacy. To ignore vidhi from arrogance—'I know better'—is stubborn ignorance. However, vidhi without bhāva (feeling) is also incomplete. Ideally, one follows vidhi with devotion. The demoniac follow neither vidhi nor bhāva; they follow only display."
Sadhak: "Is it possible to unknowingly perform 'nāma-yajña'? To think one is genuine but actually be pretending?"
Guru: "Not only possible but common. Self-deception is subtle. The test: What happens when no one is watching? What happens when the sacrifice brings no social benefit? If enthusiasm drops dramatically, display was the motivator. Also: Does the act produce inner transformation, humility, devotion? If not, something essential is missing regardless of outer correctness."
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🌅 Daily Practice
Before any spiritual practice today, check motivation. Is there anyone you're hoping will notice? Any reputation benefit? Starting with honest assessment of mixed motives purifies gradually. Pure motivation need not be achieved instantly—recognizing impurity is the beginning.
Notice when religious or ethical actions are performed for appearance. This awareness itself is transformative. Don't abandon the actions—but notice the mixed motivation. The act of noticing creates space for purer motivation to grow.
Perform one small act of devotion completely privately—prayer no one will hear, offering no one will see, kindness no one will report. Feel the difference when display is impossible. This is the taste of genuine worship.