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TEXT 23 om tat sad iti nirdeso
SYNONYMS
TRANSLATION  From the
beginning of creation, the three syllables--om tat sat--have been used
to indicate the Supreme Absolute Truth [Brahman]. They were uttered by
brahmanas while chanting Vedic hymns and during sacrifices, for the satisfaction
of the Supreme.
PURPORT It has been
explained that penance, sacrifice, charity and foods are divided into three
categories: the modes of goodness, passion and ignorance. But whether first
class, second class or third class, they are all conditioned, contaminated
by the material modes of nature. When they are aimed at the Supreme--om
tat sat, the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the eternal--they become
means for spiritual elevation. In the scriptural injunctions such an objective
is indicated. These three words, om tat sat, particularly indicate
the Absolute Truth, the Supreme Personality of Godhead. In the Vedic hymns,
the word om is always found.
One who
acts without following the regulations of the scriptures will not attain
the Absolute Truth. He will get some temporary result, but not the ultimate
end of life. The conclusion is that the performance of charity, sacrifice
and penance must be done in the mode of goodness. Performed in the modes
of passion or ignorance, they are certainly inferior in quality. The three
words om tat sat are uttered in conjunction with the holy name of
the Supreme Lord, e.g., om tad visnoh. Whenever a Vedic hymn or
the holy name of the Supreme Lord is uttered, om is added. This
is the indication of Vedic literature. These three words are taken from
Vedic hymns. Om ity etad brahmano nedistham nama indicates the first
goal. Then tat tvam asi indicates the second goal. And sad eva
saumya indicates the third goal. Combined they become om tat sat.
Formerly when Brahma, the first created living entity, performed sacrifices,
he spoke these three names of the Supreme Personality of Godhead. The same
principle holds by disciplic succession. So this hymn has great significance.
Bhagavad-gita recommends, therefore, that any work done should be
done for om tat sat, or for the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
When one performs penance, charity, and sacrifice with these three words,
he is acting in Krsna consciousness. Krsna consciousness is a scientific
execution of transcendental activities which enables one to return home,
back to Godhead. There is no loss of energy in acting in such a transcendental
way.
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