Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 17 verse 23
Chapter 17 · Shraddhatraya Vibhaga Yoga

Om Tat Sat · A Small Phrase Holding the Vast

ॐ तत्सदिति निर्देशो ब्रह्मणस्त्रिविधः स्मृतः । ब्राह्मणास्तेन वेदाश्च यज्ञाश्च विहिताः पुरा ॥

oṁ tat sad iti nirdeśo brahmaṇas tri-vidhaḥ smṛtaḥ brāhmaṇās tena vedāś ca yajñāś ca vihitāḥ purā

Meaning

""Om Tat Sat" is remembered as the threefold designation of Brahman; by this, in ancient times, the priests, the Vedas, and sacrifices were ordained."

Explanation

Three simple syllables are described here as carrying the entire weight of ultimate reality — Om for the sound of existence itself, Tat for "that" transcendent truth, Sat for pure being. A small phrase, used sincerely, can hold something vast.

Today's Life Lesson

Let a simple, sincere phrase of prayer today carry more weight than you'd expect — small words spoken truly can hold a lot.

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