|| 17.23 ||
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
Word by Word
oṁ (the first letter) tat (that) sat (truth) iti (thus) nirdeśas (indication) brahmaṇaḥ (of the Absolute) tri-vidhaḥ (threefold) smṛtaḥ (is considered) brāhmaṇāḥ (the priests) tena (by that) vedāḥ (the Vedas) ca (and) yajñāḥ (sacrifices) ca (and) vihitāḥ (were made) purā (in the beginning).
Translation
From the beginning of creation, the three words oṁ tat sat were used to indicate the Supreme Absolute Truth. These three symbolic representations were used by brahmanas while chanting the hymns of the Vedas and during sacrifices for the satisfaction of the Supreme.
Meaning
Kṛṣṇa introduces the three sacred words: ‘Oṁ Tat Sat’. He says these three are the symbolic indications of the Supreme Absolute Truth (Brahman). From the very beginning of creation, these words were used by the brāhmaṇas while chanting Vedic hymns and performing sacrifices. They act as the ‘Seal of the Absolute’ on every act.
Because everything we do in the material world is inherently flawed, we need a way to ‘patch’ our efforts and connect them to the Divine. Chanting ‘Oṁ Tat Sat’ acts as a spiritual frequency correction. It reminds us that God (Oṁ) is the target, that everything belongs to Him (Tat), and that only He is eternal (Sat). It brings a sense of completion and sacredness to our work.
It teaches us that we can spiritualize our life by using these ‘codes’. Whether you are starting a meal, a job, or a prayer, reciting these three words helps align your intention. It is like putting the right area code before a phone number. It ensures that our material activity reaches its spiritual destination. These words are the bridge between our imperfect work and the Perfect Lord.